Bogalusa enterprise and American. (Bogalusa, La.) 1918-19??, 1918-12-26
Bowling s Advice
on Flu Prevention


The notable increase of grippe,
colds and other respiratory diseases
during the winter is not due to cold
weather, but to the artificial condi-
tions under which people live. With
closed doors and windows there is de-
fective ventilation; rooms are too hot
or too cold. Close, warm rooms, I'M
ventilated cars or other places where
people congregate produce an en-
feebled condition. Warmth and inn
pure air increase susceptibility to dis
ease. It is especially important at
all times not to breathe air that has
been vitated by persons suffering
from diseases of the air passages.
Colds are contracted from persons
who are coughing, sneezing and spit
ting; they should be avoided. Chill
dren with these symptoms should be
excluded from school. If there were
no colds to catch, they would not be
caught.
The recrudescence of influenza in
many sections is due largely to the
lack of cooperation. Information
has been widely published that the
influenza germ is transmitted by
means of the minute droplets, prin-
cipally from the nose and throat Of
an individual suffering from the dis
ease. Sneezing or coughing into the
air is particularly the method by
which the germ is given off. The
organisms may float in the atmos-
phere for hours, but unless the in
fected material is kept warm and
moist the infection does not live long
outside the body. Overcrowding
means its spread. The warning has
not been taken seriously.
Advice to Schools
The incubation period of influ-
enza, it is conceded, is from one to
four days. This fact can be helpful
to the schools If on the opening
the pupils could be examined, and
those showing characteristic : of old
be sent home, with the same proceed
ure for several days. many, if not all,
affected would be weeded out. A
constant watch on those in attend
ance would keep the schools practi-
calIy free from the disease.
The schools are more easily con-
trolled than other places where peo-
pie congregate.
Everyone should try to remember
and put into effect in the home and
office a few simple rules;
Not to shut all the windows when
the weather is cold.
TO keep in the living rooms q tenn
perature Of 70 degrees or less.
To watch ventilation, especially
where rooms are heated by gas or
oil stoves. One lighted gas jet in the
room spoils more air than five per-
sons.
Sleep in the open air as much as
possible.
Many persons who would be
shocked at bathing in water used by
another fill their lungs freely with
air that is loaded with filth and dis
ease. There is far more danger in
breathing bad air than in bathing
the skin in dirty water.
The habit of living in overheated
rooms in winter is almost universal
in the South. 1t is more pleasure
able TO many to feel warm than cool,
but if effort is made to get accus-
toned to it, the cooler air viii be-
come a necessity. Generally, women
wear clothing too light for a room
that is below 20 degrees.
The practice Of shutting out the
sun and air is all too common. Air
and sunshine are the best germ kill
ers. They promote health.
Cold weather is favorable TO
health; it stimulates appetite; exer-
else can be taken more agreeably,
and with less exhaustion. There IS
none better than walking.
OSCAR BOWLING, President.