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88
Upon the second point, the increased liability to contract
the complaint and the additional danger of an attack
arising from depressing conditions, the Board remark as
follows:—
There is reason to believe that the development of an attack of
influenza in a person exposed to the infection, depends very largely
upon the receptivity of the individual; and that the power of resistance
varies not only in different persons, but also in the same person
from time to time, being diminished by any conditions which depress
the general bodily vigour. It is, therefore, important that at the
time of an epidemic all persons should, as far as they are able, pay
attention to such measures as tend to the maintenance of their
health, wearing clothes of suitable warmth, and avoiding unnecessary
exposure to cold, and fatigue, unwholesome food, and excessive use of
alcoholic liquors. Similar principles should be borne in mind by those
who, as managers of institutions land establishments, have to make
regulations for others.
There is also a very general agreement among medical practitioners
tnat the risk of a relapse and of the occurrence of these pulmonary
complications which constitute a chief danger of the disease is
increased by anything which involves exposure to cold or fatigue
before complete recovery.
Persons, therefore, who are attacked by this malady should not
attempt to fight against it, but should at once seek rest, warmth, and
medical treatment.
The nature of such treatment does not fall within the scope of this
Memorandum.
SMALL POX.
In the month of June a letter was received from the
Local Government Board, stating that isolated cases of
small-pox were occurring in different parts of London, and
suggesting that, in view of the very great importance of the
most energetic measures being taken to prevent the spread
of infection, the Medical Officer of Health should be
instructed to immediately visit every house in which a case