The Great Falls leader. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1888-1900, 1889-12-31
All About Infuenza.


Now that the epidemic of influenza has
started out to make Il sneezing tour Of
this country also, our people should know
the character of the guest they will soon
nave to entertain whether they like it or
not.
Influenza is epidemic febrile catarrh.
The name influenza" originated in Italy,
where the disease was attributed to the
''induence' of the stars. The term has
passed into medical usa 1t is q specific
epidemic disease characterized by a ca
tarrhal congestion of the mucous men,
brane of the respiratory organs, the nose,
throat and bronchial tubes. Epidemics
of this disease can be traced back to the
10th century, appearing at intervals of 25
to % years. The normal duration of an
epidemic is from two to five years, and in
this time the whole habitable globe may
be visited. A similar epidemic has oc-
cassionally prevailed as widely amaaR
horses and other animals even birds. IN
f1uenza is one of the very few diseases
occurring in all climates and latitudes,
visiting in its rounds alS1countries in both
hemispheres, respecting neither color,
wealth, position nor station. The spread
Of the disease is usually very rapid. 1t
is said to have covered the whole of Eu-
rope in six weeks at one time, while an
other tour consumed twslve months. At
times its ravages are limited to one CONT
nent or 8 single country. In 1878 it was
confined to Austria, Italy and other coun-
tries bordering upon the Mediterranean
sea. In 1882 mild form of influenza,
termed the epizootic, made its appear
ance in the eastern states and in the val
leys of the Ohio and the Mississippi
rivers. 1t attacked man and beast with
out discrimination and was so general that
in many of the large cities not a horse
was seen on the streets for several days
in succession.
One attack of influenza does not secure
immunity in future epidemics. Relapses
are not uncommon. Little is known of
the cause of the disease. Some authori-
ties attribute it to certain underlined cleo
trical conditions of the atmosphere 9th ers
to minute organism or fungi in the at
mosphere, as It has been observed that
various fungi have flourished in unusual
|
The fact that the disease, although not
contagious, prevails under all conditions
of soil and climate, would seem to sup
port the theory that it is due to some
morbiic principle in the atmosphere.
The length Of the stay of this epidemic
in city or country varies from six weeks
to two months; but the epidemic in Paris
in 1881 prevailed more or less for nine or
ten months. Its course is rs mysterious as
its spread is rapid. Crews Of ships that
have not sailed from an infe cted port
have been attacked in mid ocean, which
would seem to prove not only that the at
mosphere carried the poison. but also
that no degree of dilution can destroy it
The outset of influenza is sudden, US
ually beginning with s-stsong chill, Oh
chilliness alternating with flushing and
heat Sometimes the fever develops
slowly, reaching its maximum in three OF
) four days and being remittent The dis
ease runs its course in from two to eight
days, four days being moderate average
The rate of mortality is always small
In the severest epidemic on record it did
not exceed two per cent.
AS yet no means are known by which
influenza can be prevented. The treat
ment is simple-repose indoors, a gener
GUS diet and in some cases moderate
use of stimulants. Mild cases do not re-
) quire any special treatment. The com
plications which may arise are about al
that is to be feared in this disease.-Min
} neapolis Tribune.