Litchfield enquirer., 1832-01-05
MISCELLANEOUS.
INFLUENZA

N INFLUENZA.
 In proffering few remarks on the epi- fdcmic catarrh, or the ;nJaucnz0, which has of late prevailed over SD great an extent of country, wc intend to direct the attention N of our readers mainly to two points list. Inc illustration which this catarrh affords, Man epidemical, in contrast with a conta- gious disease. 2d. Tho precautions which its proper to adopt under tllc circnmstali- ces-precautions, by tie way, which will be found useful beyond the present season, and long after the present livery of disease shall be changed. ss. N Except insits greater diffusion. and att 8tacking at the same time such number of persons, scattered over a vast extent of . country, the influenza exhibits no symp- tom or set ofsympt0ms, distinctf from com- ' mon catarrh, 0i1 a cold, as it is called in popular language. Ofiis depending on the statesof the air, we are not allowed to doubt; since this is the only common a- gent or cause to which people otherwise \ s0 differently circnmstanced are exposed. The disease cannot have local or terres- trial origin; otherwise we should find it in particular districts and exposures, 10 the exclusion 0fssothers. It is, therefore, strictly cpidemical; that is, it attacks d great numbeF of persons at the same time, and extends over whole country. But it is not endcmical, since it has not fixed or stN,ed cause, peculiar to tic country.- Nor does it remain wilhout change or va- ' riation for many years, or for a particular season m many years; as in ihe examples Ofremittent and intermittent,S pr of yellow . levers. The disease in question, or the inc liuenza, is not contagious: for although it X is common for members of the same family x to be attacked in succession; at other \ times they are simultaneously affected, or in such rapid succession as to forbid the ' supposition of one communicating the dis- ease to another. Sometimes all the mem bers except one in family arc assaiied {; sometimeA one alone is affected, and the x others enjoy exemption from its attack.-- "A contagious disease, on the other hand, can have but one specific origin, viz. the application of the morbid matter to the living body it is nearly uniform in its symptoms apd progress, attacking always the same order of parts, and in certain mode of progression. Its operation may be quickened by othef causes; but no one K or alt of them can produce it, unless the specific cause of morbid matter be applied --as of small-pox, &c.
 In an epidemic, such as the influenza there is ia chnnge or rsdeterioration of the !. Atmosphere, whereby the animal economy $ predisposed to be affected by common agencies, which, under different circum- stances, would have no prejudicial effect. Each If these will prove a direct exciting cause such as getting the feet wet, stand ing long on the damp ground, being expos. V cd to currents of cold air, loss of sleep hS sitting up all night, or even being under fi,e prOtracied or intense influence, of anx- ious. or depressing feelings, throwing of \ any cnsfoH1ary article of dress, &c. excess. es or frequeni doses of saline medicines N or of stimulating sudorifics, by which ths skin is sei,lier chilled or ultimately enfee, bled; finally, the lang,or following de- baucii, or excess of any kind. None Q Skese, however, arc specific causes, by ths application of which we are sure certaiI -sraih of symptoms will be produced.- - z Their effact is relative 0 inc state. .c7 pre- M disposition If the aninsal economy. Il i& the case If tIe infoenza, there are tw, kinds 0f pgedisposilioD or proneness to b attacked: oae general, depending on th clahged or deteriorated air, which al brealhes the other partial, growing out 2 the peculiar constitution of the individual-- as Iwhere he has | weak chest, is liable { rhsaaaiisEn, or to fuiness snd pain of tll head. dDc.. U has been enfeebled by ad yancsd ags q chronic affection of II h.ngs.
 The detssiaration or change of ar. {
 whatever nature is may be, is not Of iise
 generally suiielens to bring on this catsrt
 es infuenzA; but hy impedinE ,Ise ifs
 ng of the lungs, and preventing ihe cul
 75&lhEy exhaitaiions from lhsm of xapol
 mncns, 1t throWs item ope1s 1f pr.
 a' 5oses slpm fo dise4<s. ky IT. Isa
 SHsngs in ihs function ol the ziIin. nj
 $ is readily accomplished hy szpsenssI
 s of the cnases already eunnlts4lt3. II
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 checking ssnaibls psFspisaiions