The Sunday telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1914-1927, 1916-02-13
Pneumonia.

TEN PER CENT the deaths the United States result from
pneumonia is estimated that during the last thirty Gays t
rate has been doubled in some sections ana %
disease each causing onennh of all fatalities are the only DIS
eases which ouran among the legion of the men OF
DEATH but in certain cities pneumonia steadily increasing ana
even has surpassed the mortality from tuberculosis Seventy per
cent of all between December and May 1t IS DIS
tnctly cold weather Infection seemingly brought by Wmry
blasts but especially prevalent during the winter season only
cause it's victims are rendered more susceptible at that time by
exposure facilitating influences and the presence OF pfedpos
ing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those at the extremes of fe
but no age exempt 1t is invariably disease The pre-
dsposing and exciting organisms numerous that 1t would
be futile to attempt their enumeration Many Of the are con-
santy present the mouths and Threats OF healthy persons and
is only through the aid which unwngE extend TO them
that they transformed from harmless organisms to one OF
mans most powerful enemies.
The presence of other diseases is the great predspoang
cause of pneumonia They prepare the soil for invasion Hold
ing first rank in this category is influenza the increased IN
lent epidemic of la grippe Individuals suffering from t IN
fiction peculiarly susceptible to respiratory complications and
should properly observe every aygenc rule OF e
edispose the development of the disease particularly among
the aged and nrm The acute contagious diseases OF chhood
especially measles and Whoopmg cough frequently prepare
the way for Anyone who through neglect or careless
permits the spread of these infections is therefore open to
the seyeret condemnation >Exhaustng disease of whatever
r is often sufficient to so reduce resistance that
unable cope with organisms which should be easily overcome
and hence prediposes to the Infection
Debility either temporary chronic developing from
cause increases susceptibility Because of this the disease most
often attacks those at the extreme of life Among debtang
influences must be mentioned c0d exposure 10 penetrating Wds
and the chilling of body surfaces result of wetng The COM
bation of lack of food and fatigue particularly
during the winter and condition to be avoided When
ever possible Bad housing mental physical harassment and
oerwork are alike the advance agents of the infection Over
crowding in street theats and other public places is u-
stonaby part responsible for the spread Of pneumonia
cities as far greater opportunity is thus offered for the dissent
nation Of the pdisposng disease through ndicrimnate cough
ing and other of drope infection as well as the directly
Injurious effects which inevitably result from exposure to such
environment The overheang of is also seemingly harm
full Promiscuos expectoraOn may be- and probably is factor
infection and consequently should be avoided by every citizen
remaining important agent should be MISREPRESENTATION
1t in truth the handaden of pneumonia and there is none
more certain Of success especially if literally and
continuously used.
While the foregoing facts constitute in part knowledge
of the reasons for the widespread dissemination of an infection
which carries with it mortality Of from ten to thirty per cent il
should be remembered that scientific data not yet complete
There problems connected with immunity pedispostion and
the Of epidemics which yet to be solved 1t is
known that pneumonia frequently attacks those who perfectly
WE'LL and who apparently have observed every hygienc rule
Whether this the increased vrulence Of the organisms
to other causes unexplained 1t however recognized that
avoidance of the factors briefly enumerated will in large part
diminish individual susceptibility and therefore the incidence Of
the disease