Amador ledger., 1904-04-15
La GRIPPE FROM A MEDICAL STAND
POINT.
By II. N. Fireman, NJ. D, of Volcano.


La grippe, or more properly infiu-
enza, is specific disease caused by
a morbific agent, discovered after
prolonged research by German
bacteriologist during an epidemic in
London and Paris.
This infnitesimal organism, though
not indigenous to this country, is a
frequent caller ever since the epi-
demic of the year 1889. He has vis-
tied localities in this country with
varying severity, and does not only
infect the human family, but the do
mestic animals as well. In the latter
it is characterized as an epizootic,
having many symptoms in common.
Many of the epidemics of influenza
have their origin in ST. Petersburg,
and so la grippe has been termed
Russian fever, whereas l shall as
sumo the license of poet and term
it 'barbaric fever" and attempt to
explain to the uniformed public the
gravity of this disease, especially if
neglected, and aim to carry to effect
a physicians all-important duty
that of prevention.
The disease sets in almost imme-
diately after the individal has been
exposed to the contagion. The little
germ lodges itself in the nasal pass
ages, and thence passes downward
to the gullet and stomach, as we'll as
to the bronchi and lungs. The re-
suit is painful irritating catarrh,
the organism poisoning the tissues
on its way downwards, and fever is
produced. A morbid balance is sub
stituted for a normal, which exists
only in health. Then follow the
varied aches, pains, nervous twitch-
ings, rapid pulse and many other
signs, all of which give evidence of
ravages done by this little barbarian.
You have the grippe, and la grippe
has you, and the result is you are
down in bed and willing to stay till
this bug ceases to undermine, and
eventually bids farewell, not for
ever, only to return again probably
in fortnight, or year, or whenever
another epidemic appears. So you
see one attack does not render you
immune. AS this grim visitor let's
loose his poisonous fangs the patient
probably is immerging into a pneu-
monia or a bronchitis, chronic in
character, for he is weak and fails
to resist the invasion of those di-
seases. The complications and after
effects of influenza are inimical to
the health of man. Guard against
them by possessing and maintaining
the very best of health al all times;
drink from natures fountain plenty
of water, for water stimulates while
whiskey depresses. Inhale volum-
inous quantities of oxygen, and your
lungs will expand, and with that ex-
pansion goes strength, because of
exercise. Have your skin gaping,
by a daily bath, and it will aid in
throwing off waste. Keep all other
channels of elimination in functional
order, and health is yours, a strong
mentality yours, supported by a
strong physical body.
And if sick, try and get well.
follow natures laws as you should in
preserving health, If you are the
weary possessor of la grippe, desist
from your task, do not take your
business cares to bed with you, but
devote all your time to your own
sick body and rapidly reestablish a
normal equilibrium. Study the value
of antiseptics, use them as a nose
and mouth wash, have them in your
homes, and lastly hold council with
your medical adviser, not for his, but
your benefit.