The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-10-22
Al THOUGH IVAN ING
EPIDEMIC IS STILL
SERIOUS IN STATE

Oklahoma City, Oct. 2l.-Therc
are indications that the epidemic OF
influenza in Oklahoma is abating,
although it is still most serious
matter. The State Board of Health,
working in conjunction with the
United States Public Health Service
is taking far-reaching measures to
fight the epidemic. Physicians,
nurses and supplies are being sent
to the communities which are IN
need OF thenl.
Every phase of the problem OF
dealing with the epidemic is being
closely studied by physicians and
scientists. The length OF time be-
tween such epidenics, however, IS
so great, (the last one most nearly
resembling this being the grip epi-
demic OF $4,000, that the problem
presented is in many ways an en-
tirely new one. Many of the most
important factors are unknown.
Experiments have been made with
serums and vaccines. Apparently
the results are beneficial. but the
experiments have not been carried
on long enough or on a sufficiently
extended scale for positive verdict
to be given. For instance, there IS
no question OF the protection afford
ed by vaccination against typhoid
and smallpox. The same positive po-
sition cannot be taken in regard TO
influenza vaccines. As the severity
of the epidemic tends to wane, it is
OF the utmost Importance that VIC
tins should guard against possible
relapse. Quite a large proportion
of the fatal cases have been those
OF patients who seemed to have
temporarily recovered, have lett
their beds too soon, perhaps re
turned to work. only to relapse.
The danger OF complications seems
greater in the case OF a relapse than
with the original illness. Under the
direction of the State Board OF
Heath authority was given health
officers and local officials through
out the state to close schools,
churches and theaters and forbid
public meetings wherever such meas
ures seemed advisable. This was a
necessary precaution, even ii it did
involve a certain amount of public
Inconvenience.
Mode of Transmission.
There are features about the eX-
act mode of the transmission of in
lection in influenza which are not
vet known with absolute certainty.
1t is certain, however, that it is
transmitted from person to person
and that the danger of infection is
increased by public gatherings. In
many communities in the state the
quarantine order was promptly fol
lowed by decrease in the severity
OF the epidemic. The question is
Somtimes asked. why one member OF
a family will be a victim of influ-
enza, while another apparently as
much or more exposed will not be
affected. 1t must be remembered
that there is great difference in
the susceptibility to avoid entirely
the germs which cause influenza at
a time when an epidemic is preva-
lent. The same is true OF tuber-
cular and other germs.
Some personh have high resist
ing powers and seem little affected,
while Others are quick victims OF
infection. Exercise, pure food and
air, hygienic living, tend to raise
the resisting powers. 1t is also only
common sense to avoid crowds and
other situations where the danger
of infection is increased. Medi-
cines should be taken under the di-
rection of a competent physician.
1t should be remembered that this
disease is rapid in its onset and no
time should be lost in obtaining med
ical advice.