The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1918-10-15

eAul III lulS ulScdSC Tie humber OF
white corpuseles shows little or no in
crease above the normal. 1t Is possi-
BILE that the laboratory investigations
now being made through the National
Research Council and the United
States Hygienic Laboratory will fur
nish more certain way In which indi-
vidual cases of this disease can be
recognized"
What Is the course Of the dIssase7
Do people die Of It?
Ordinarily, the fever lasts from
three to four days and the patient re-
covers. But while the proportion Of
deaths in the present epidemic has
generally been low, In some places the
outbreak has been severe and deaths
have been numerous. When death oc-
ours 1t Is usually the result of COM
plication."
What causes the disease and how 10
It spread?
"Bacteriologists who have studied In
fluenza epidemics In the past have
found in many Of the cases a very
Small rod-shaped germ called, after its
dlscoverer, Pfeiffer's bacillus. In other
cases of apparently the same kind Of
disease there were found pneumococci,
the germs Of lobar pneumonia. Still
others have been caused by strepto-
cocci, and by others germs with long
names.
mo matter what particular kind Of
germ causes the epidemic, 1t is now
believed that Influenza Is always
spread from person to person, the
germs being carried with the air along
with the very small droplets Of mucus,
expelled by coughing or sneezing,
forceful talking, and the like by one
who already has the germs Of the dis
ease. They may also be carried about
in the air in the form Of dust coming
from dried mucus, from coughing and
sneezing, or from careless people who
spit on the floor and ON the sidewalk.
As In most other catching diseases, a
person who has only q mild attack Of
the disease himself may give very
severe attack to others"
What should be done by those who
catch the djsease9
ut is very important that every per-
son who becomes sick with influenza
should 60 home at once and 60 to bed.
This will help keep away dangerous
complications and will, at the same
time, keep the patient from scattering
the disease far and wide. It Is highly
desirable that no one be allowed to
sleep In the same room with the pa
tient In fact no one but the nurse
should be allowed in the room.
IF there Is cough and sputum or
running Of the eyes and nose, care
should be taken that all such dis
charges are collected on bits Of gauze
Or rag or paper napkins and burned.
II the patient complains Of fever and
headache, he should be given water to
drink, a cold compress to the forehead
and light sponge. Only such medi-
cine should be given as Is prescribed
by the doctor. It Is foolish to ask the
druggist to prescribe and may be dan.
gerous to take the so-called safe, sure
and harmless remedies advertised BY
patent medicine manufacturers.
IF the patient is so situated that no
ian be attended only BY some one who
must also look after others In the fam
ly, It Is advisable that such attendant
wear wrapper, apron or gown over
he ordinary house clothes while in the
lick room and slip this Off when leav-
ng to look after the others.
'Nurses and attendants will do well
o guard against breathing In danger
,us disease germs by wearing simple
old Of gauze or mask while near the
,atient."
viii a person who has had influenza
'efore catch the disease agaIn7
ut is well known that an attack Of
measles or scarlet fever or smallpox
lsually protects person against an
ther attack Of the same disease. This
ppears not to be true Of Spanish In
luenza.' According to newspaper re-
'orts the King Of Spain suffered an
ttack Of influenza during the cpl
emic thirty years ago, and was again
tricken during the recent outbreak in
pain"
How can ono guard against lnau-
nxa7
"In guarding against disease Of all
inds, It is important that the body be
:ept strong and able to fight off dis
ase germs. This can be done by hav-
ng proper proportion Of work, play
nd rest, by keeping the body well
lothed, and by eating sufficient whole
ONE and properly selected food. In
with diet, 1t is well to re-
lember that milk Is one of the best
ll-around foods obtainable for adults
o well as children. So far as dis
ase like influenza Is concerned, health
uthorities everywhere recognize the
cry close relation between its spread
nd overcrowded homes. While it Ia
OF always possible, especially in
mes like the present. to avoid such
people should consider
le health danger and make every
fort to reduce the home overcrowd-