The Alaska daily empire., 1918-12-20
SOMETHING ON INFLUENZA AND
 ITS TREATMENT
Useful Things to Know Concerning Prevailing Epidemic; How to Avoid
 It and How to Cure t.
(Ry D. H. MONTGOMERY, MD. M.C., Assistant-Surgeon, United States Public Health
 Service

Influenza is grippe" It is now spreading over the country in an unusually severe epidemic form. The last extensive epidemic occurred in 1SS9-90, and the disease was very prevalent for several years after. The present epidemic disease is plain influenza. The term span ish influenza" has been applied to this epidemic because of its recent prevalence in Spain. Influenza oc- CUTS every year in the United States but it is more contagious during an epidemic, because of the complca- tions-pneumonia the most ire quent mastoiditis, sinusitis, tuber- culosis, etc On account of the highly inflamed condition of the bronchial membranes in influenza, the patient is in a very susceptible state, without normal defense, and consequently complicating condi- tions easily and frequently arise and are responsible for most fata' cases. Hence the importance of tho most precautionary care of sus pected cases at the onset. Influenza is caused by a germ the influpenza bacillus, in associa tion with strcptococcus hema'y+icue and we find present in the discas many other germs that usually in, habit the nose, mouth, throat and lungs. Influenza bacillis cannot live long outside the body. Fresh air and sunshine kill it in a few minutes.
 The disease is spread by moist se- cretions from the mouth and throat of infected persons.
 Protect yourself from infection, keep well, and do not get frightened or hysterical over the epidemic. | Avoid contact and being sprayed by nose and throat secretions of others
 | Beware of those who are cough ing and sneezing, avoid crowds keep out of theatres, picture shows and other places of public assem- bly,
 Avoid stuffy, poorly ventilated rooms and insist on an abundance of fresh, pure air, but avoid drafts
 Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.
 Do not drink from glasses ol cups nor use towels which havf been used by others, unless you arc absolutely sure they have beer | thoroughly clcansed.
 You can do much to lesson tho danger to yourself by keeping il good physical condition
 Eat simple, nourishing food ant drink plenty of water; avoid con stipation.
 Secure at least seven hour' sleep Avoid physical fatigue.
 Do not sleep or sit around II damp clothing. Keep your feet dry
 If you have not been vaccinated have it done at once.
 WEAR YOUR MASKS, though yo, may feel for a time uncomfortable do all in your power to compl. with the public health ruling ant quarantine regulations, which art imposed for your protection. l SulluI Co nave DtCI hiaNc b'DA' the face of properly made mask lfter having been worn for day and were found free from germ life These same masks are worn by al surgeons in the operating room, ant in courageous wards of all larg' hospitals, and our highest authori ties recognize their prophylacti' value.
 j Influenza has a sudden onset witl chilliness, severe headache ant aching all over" At times tn disease begins with nausea, vomit ing, and abdominal pain. Fever be gins early and many persons VII have a high fever without noticing it. Frequently cartarrhal symptom do not appear until later Whel they do they are symptoms Of bad cold in the head, with a rav throat and a dry cough. Weaknes and prostration out of proportion to the fever are common. DC casionally a person is stricken sud