View report page

85
The deaths from Influenza were fewer than in 1927, there was no
great variety in the type, but the after results may be serious and long
lasting, particularly in cases of cardiac and nervous complications.
The after results are more serious as regards inability to follow employment
and invalidism than the primary attack, and this being the case it is
essential to take measures to prevent an epidemic whenever possible,
and in this connection I have issued the following pamphlet in order
that its infectious nature should be more generally understood by the
inhabitants of the Borough.
INFLUENZA.
HINTS AND PRECAUTIONS.
We do not know for certain what Influenza is due to, but the infection
is readily conveyed from the sick to the healthy. It enters the body
through the mouth or nose, and quickly sets up a state of fever.
Influenza is particularly infectious during its early stages and while
a person who has contracted it is still able to follow his vocation and to
mix with other people. Almost everybody, therefore, is exposed to
infection at one stage or another of an epidemic. No certain safeguard
against the disease is as yet known to exist, and it is important to give
attention to the following points during an epidemic wave.
PREVENTION.
Infection may be guarded against by:—
(a) Healthy and regular habits, and avoidance of:—
(i) Fatigue, (ii) Chill, (iii) Alcoholic excess, (iv) Crowded
meetings and hot rooms, (v) Unnecessary travelling.
(b) Good ventilation in working and sleeping rooms.
(c) Warm clothing.
(d) Gargling from a tumbler of warm wafer to which has been
added enough permanganate of potash to give the liquid a
pink colour. Use as a mouth wash and gargle the throat
night and morning, and specially on returning home after
exposure to infection in any crowd or after travelling.
(e) Vaccination.—A vaccine against Influenza is available, and
any person who wishes to be vaccinated should apply to his
medical attendant. The purpose of the vaccine is prevention,