Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1918-10-08
SAID TO BE GOOD FOR GRIP OR
INFLUENZA.

Peroxide of hydrogen (medicinal is
a marvellous remedy In the treatment
of grip or influenza. This medicine
should be diluted with water and ad-
ministered internally, and by shifting
through the nostrils or by spraying the
nostrils and throat. The good results
from this treatment, which has never
been known to fail of producing
a speedy cure, are due to the destruc-
ton of the microbe upon which this
disease depends. The remedy is SIM
pie and within the reach of everybody,
and can easily be tested.
The health department Issued a gem
eral bulletin giving the truth about
influenza. 1t showed that this is not
the first epidemic in the United States
to be credited to Spain. The first was
brought to this country from Valencia
in 1647 Influenza, the department
stated, derives its name from the be-
lief of the Italians of the Seventeenth
Centuary that the disease is due to the
influence Of the stars.
The whole United States is being
affected by widespread epidemic Of
influenza" the department stated.
In most communities there are
always cases of Influenza and the
cases fluctuate in number from year to
year, and in some years, usually in the
winter, as in 1916, they reached
epidemics proportions.
These small epidemics often start at
the same time in a number of widely
separated places, but not infrequently
some one part of the country suffers
very heavily at first, as, for instance,
the Great Lakes region in 1916. The
disease in these local epidamics, how
ever, rarely reachs the proportion that
obtains in the worldwide epidemics.
Epidemics of influenza usually run
their course through a community in
few weeks. An epidemic of influenza
visited this country as early as 1647
This first epidemic is said to have
been brought here from Valencia
Spain. The last great important pan
epidemic occurred in 1889-1890, and
reaching the United States in the win
ter affected a great number of people
The disease is enlinently contagious.
1t is carried by personal contact from
one Individual to another. There is
evidence that great many people who
themselves resist the disease carry the
germs OF it to others, and further, thr+
many of those who have recovered car
ry the germs and distribute them to
others for an indefinite period.
The main means by which the dis
ease is spread are sneezing, coughing.
expectorating, kissing and obvious
methods Of personal contact. The in
fluenza germ does not increase under
ordinary conditions outside of the hui
man body. 1t invades the body
through the mouth and nose. The
cleansing of the mouth and the spray
ing of the nose with proper antiseptic
solutions several times daily, particu-
larly after exposure to crowds, can do
no harm and may do good in prevent
ing or in modifying infection.
Keep homes, Offices and workshops
well aired and seek every possible op-
portunity to breathe as much fresh air
as possible. If attacked with disease.
call in your physician, 90 to bed and
stay there until the disease has run
its course. The great mass of cases
are mild, and if properly cared for
soon run their course without compli-
cation. Compared with the large num-
Der of cases, the fatality is very low.
Influenza is serious and is to be
treated seriously, but unnecessary fear
and apprehension on the part of the
public can only do harm and never
good. A useful motto is:
Cover up each cough and sneeze,
If you don't you'll spread disease"