The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1908-19??, 1916-02-11

Ten percent of the deaths in the
United States result from pneumo-
MIA. 1t is estimated that during the
past thirty days this rate has been
doubled in some sections. Tuber-
culosis and heart disease, each caus-
ing one-ninth of all fatalities, are
the only diseases which outrank
pneumonia among the legion of the
men of death, but in certain cities
pneumonia is steadily increasing and
even has surpassed the mortality
from tuberculosis. Seventy per
cent of all cases occur between De-
cember and May. 1t is distinctly d
cold weather infection, seemingly
brought by wintry blasts, but espe-
ciallY. prevalent during the winter
season only because its victims are
rendered more susceptible at that
time by exposure, facilitating influ-
ences and the presence of predispos-
ing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects
extremes of life, but no age is ex-
empt. 1t is invariably germ dis
ease The predisposing and exciting
organisms are so numerous that 1t
would be futile to attempt their en-
umeration. Many of them are con.
stantly present in the mouths and
throats of healthy persons aod it is
only through the aid which we IN
Willingly extend to them that they
are transformed from harmless or
ganisms to one of mans most power
full enemies.
The presence of other diseases is
the great predisposing cause of pneu-
monia. They prepare the soil for in
vasion. Holding first rank in this
category is influenza, the increased in
cidence of pneumonia at this time be-
ing largely due to the present cpl
demic of lagrippe. individuals suf-
fering from this infection are pecu-
liarly susceptible to respiratory COM
plcations and should properly observe
every hygienic rule. Inflammation
of the upper air passages, pharyngl-
tbs, and tonsillitis, often predispose to
the development of the disease, par
ticularIy among the aged and infirm.
The acute contagious diseases Of
childhood. more especially measles and
whooping cough, frequently prepare
the way for pneumonia. Anyone who
through neglect or carelessness per-
mits the spread Of these infections IS
therefore open to the sevcrcst condem-
nation. Exhausting disease of what
ever nature, is often sufficient to so
reduce our resistance that we are una
BILE to cope with organisms which
should be easily overcome, and hence
prcdisposes to the infection.
Debility, either temporary or chron-
ic, developing from any cause, in
creases susceptibility. Because Of
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes of life. Among
facilitating influences must be men,
toned cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling of body sur
faces as a result of Iwetting. The
combination of lack of food and ia
tigue proves particularly disastrous
during the winter season and is q
condition to be avoided whenever pos
sible Bad housing, mental or physi-
cal harassment, and overwork are
alike the advance agents of the infec-
ton. Overcrowding in steet cars
theaters, and other public places, is
unouestionably in part responsible for
the spread Of pneumonia in cities, as
far greater opportunity is thus Of
fered for the dissemination of the
predisposing diseases through indis-
criminate coughing and ether means
Of droplet infection, as well as the
directly injurious effects which newt
ably result from exposure to such en-
vironment. The overheating of rooms
is also seemingly harmful. Promis-
cous expectoration may be, and prob
ably is, a factor in infection and con-
seouently should be avoided by every
citizen. A remaining most important
agent should be mentioned alcohol
1t is in truth the handmaiden of pneu-
monia, and there is none more certain
or more sure of success. especially if
literally and continuously used.
While the foregoing facts consti-
tute in part our knowledge of the rea-
sons for the WIDESPREAD dissemination
of an infection which carries with it a
mortality of from ten to thirty per
cent, il should be remembered that our
scientific data are not yet complete,
There are problems connected with
immunity, predisposition, and the oc-
curence of epidemics which are yet