Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1916-02-18


rate has been doubled in some
sections. tuberculosis and heart
disease, each causing one-ninth
of all fatalities, are the only
diseases which outrank pneu-
monia among the legion Of the
men of death, but in certain
cities pneumonia is steadily in
creasi~g and even has surpassed
the mortality from tuberculosis.
Seventy per cent. of all cases oc-
cur between December and May.
1t is distinctly a cold weather in
lection. seemingly brought by |
w:ntry. blasts, but especially
prevalent during the winter seas |
on only because its victims arel
rendered more susceptible at that
time by exposure, facilitating
influences and the presence OF
predisposing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects
those at the extremes Of life, but
no age is exempt. 1t is invari-
ably a germ disease. The pre-
disposing and exciting organisms
are so numerous that it would be
futile to attempt their enumera'
ltion. Many Of them are con-
stantly present III the mouths
and Threats of healthy persons
and il is only through the aid
which we unwittipgly extend to
them that they are transformed
from harmless organisms to one
of mans most powerful enemies.
| The presence of other diseases
. is the great predisposing cause
. of pneumonia. They prepare the
soil for invasion. Holding first
, rank in this category is influenza,
i, the increased incidence of pneu-
!. monia at this time being largely
due to the present epidemic of Ia
grippe. Individuals suffering
from this infection are peculiarly
susceptible to respiratory COM
.ip1ications and should properly
|, observe every hygienic rule. In
fam m alton of the upper air pas
sages, pharyngitis, bronchitis
. tonslllitis, often predispose tc
f the development OF the disease,
particularly among the aged and
,linfirm. The acute contagiou:
i, diseases OF childhood, more es
pecially measles and whoopinl
cough, frequently prepare the
, way for pneumonia. Anyone
who through neglect or careless
, ness permits the spread of these
t infections is therefore open T.
the seyerest condemnation. Elk
, tausting disease of whatever ma
: ture, is often sufficient to so re
f Iduce our resistance that we arr
unable to cope with organism:
, which should be easily over
come, and hence predisposes tt
/ the infection.
Debility, either temporary OF
chronic, developing from any
Icause, increases susceptibility
. Because Of this the disease mosi
often attacks those at the ex'
/ Itremes of life. Among debilitat'
ling influences must be mention
. ed cold. exposure to penetrating
winds, ard the chilling of bod,
| Isurfaces as a result of wetting
THE combination of lack of food
; and fatigue proves particularly
disastrous during the winter
season and is a condition to be
Iavoided whenever possible. Bad
housing, mental or physical har-
EASEMENT, and overwork are alike
1.-The advance agents of the infee.
ltion. Overcrowding, in street
Icars, theatres. and other public
lplaces, is unquestionablv in pa,t
Responsible for the spread OF
pneumonia in cities, as far great
Ter opportunity is thus offered fol
1.-The dissemination of the predis
posing diseases through indis-
terminate coughing and other
means of droplet injection, as
we'll as che directly injurious eff
fleets which inevitably result from
Exposure to such environment.
The overheating of rooms is also
seemingly harmful. Promiscu-
Gus expectoration may be, and
probably is, factor in infection
and consequently should be
avoided by every citizen. A re-
naming most important agent
should be MENTIONED alcohol.
It is in truth the handmaiden OF
pneumonia, and there is none
more certain or more sure of sue
cess, especially if literally and
Continuously used.
While the foree Ding facts con-
- L. Ia