The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-12-29
FACTS ABOUT FLU

On account of the conflicting
ideas and false reports, articles, etc,
published in the daily press, and
placed there by the various CON-
panies or proiiteering agencies to
advertise the virtues OF wonderful
secret remedies, gargleS, etcp used
for the prevention OF ilu (some oil
our local druggists and medical men
not excepted) and the wide and va
ried diversity OF opinions among the
people and even the medical pro-
iesSion, as 10 the cause, control and
treatment OF this disease, has
prompted this article.
"a Summary OF the Report OF
Special Committee of the American
Public Health Association
Influenza is disease OF extreme
communicabiity. Its contagiousness
comparing with smallpox, scarlet
fever and meales, 1t is believed 10
be due 10 an undetermined organ
ism or bacteria, which causes an
infection which lowers the resist
ance of the body as a whole and of
the respiratory organisms or lungs,
in particular. This allows the inva-
sion OF other pathogenic or disease
micro o-organisms. In different por-
tions OF the country the dominating
or most common variety OF bacteria
has been found 10 differ. but usually
il is very fatal and virulent organ
ism OF pneumonia.
influenza is spread solely through
discharge from the noses and throatS
OF infected persons, finding their
way into the noses and throats OF
other persons susceptible to the dis
ease. In the words OF Col. V. {.
dean OF Michigan Univer-
sity Medical School, There can
not be any question as TO how inilu-
enza travels; it travels on two legs,
aud man is the carrier
Prevention or Prophylaxis.
The public should be made ac-
quainted with methods and means
Of prevention by widespread public
ity and education covering such
facts as the dangers from coughing,
sneezing and splitting. The advant-
ages OF fresh air, general hygiene
and personal health.
|. Physical and nervous exhaus-
,ion should be avoided by paying due
regard to rest, exercise, physical and
mental labor and hours OF sleep.
II. Avoid non-essential and crowd
ed public gatherings in poorly ven
.ilated buildings.
III. Masks; the wearing OF prop
,r masks should be made compul-
sorry in hospitals and for all who
IRE directly exposed to injection.
". Isolation; The isolation OF
patients suffering from influenza,
should be practiced.
V. In general; home treatment
should be advocated where medical
nursing and other facilities are ade-
luate and where home treatment is
lot contra-indicated by the danger
If injecting others.
VI. Coughing and sneezing al
ways should be guarded by hand
ierchief. hands washed before eat
ng, avoidance OF common drinking
ups, etc.
VII. Distinction or fumigation
las no advantages over cleaning,
and airing.
VIII. Alcoholics, whisky etc.
serve no preventive purpose.
TX. Sprays and gargles do not
protect the nose and throat from in
ection for the following reasons;
(a) No germicide strong enough
o kill organisms can be applied to
he nose and throat without injur
ng the mucous membranes.
(b) Their use removes the pro-
ective mucous, tends to spread the
Injection and TO increase the liabll-
ty of the actual entrance OF bacteria.
(c) Their use gives a false i'm
,resson OF security and is liable to
cad in families to a common use OF
he same utensils.
Measures for Relief.
|. Organization and listing OF
nurses, social workers
md volunteers Of all kinds.
Publicity should be used to pro-
note volupteer service and help.
II. Resources should be central
zed under one control and with
;ity districted for medical, nursing
md other work. The work admins
cred through a manager Casually
he city health officer selected by
lis fitness for the place.
III. Nursing assistants and vol
,nteers especially graduates OF
Red Cross home nursing courses)
should be used with a restriction
against the unnecessary use OF pri-
sate nurses.
". Diet Kitchens; Families en-
to cook and deliver food to
| central diet kitchen for distribu-
ion to needy families.
V. Public Education. Popular
literature on essentials covering care