Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1918-10-17

"Ordlnarlly, the fever lasts from
three to four days and the patient re-
covers. But while the proportion OF
deaths In the present epidemic mas
generally been low. In some places the
outbreak has been severe ana deaths
have been numerous. When death &C.
ours 1t is usually the result Of COM
plication."
What causes the disease and how 10
II spread7
"Bacteriologists who have studied IN
fiuenza epidemics In the past nave
found In many Of the cases very
Small rod-shaped germ called, after It's
discoverer, Pfeiffer's bacillus. In other
cases of apparently the same KIND OF
disease there were found pneumococci,
the germs Of lobar pneumonia sun
others have been caused by strepto-i
cocci and by others germs with long
names.
mo matter what particular kind OF
germ causes the epidemic, II 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 byv~ 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 ana.
sneezing, or from careless people who
spit on the floor and on the sidewalk.
AS In most other catching diseases.
person who has only mild attack Of
the disease himself may give very
severe attack to others"
What should be done by those who
catch the disease7
ut Is very important that every per-
son who becomes sick with influenza
should 20 home at once and go 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. 1t Is highly
desirable that no one be allowed 10
sleep In the same room with the pa
tient. In fact, no one but the nurse
should be allowed in the room.
III there il 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. 1t 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.
III the patient Is 30 situated that he
can be attended only by some one who
must also look after others In the fam
fly, 1t Is advisable that such attendant
wear a wrapper, apron or gown over
the ordinary house clothes while In the
sick room and slip this on when leav-
ing to look after the others.
Nurses and attendants will do well
to guard against breathing In danger
Gus disease germs by wearing simple
fold Of gauze or mask while near the
patient"
| viii a person who has had influenza
before catch the disease agaIn7
1T is well known that an attack OF
measles or scarlet fever or smallpox
usually protects person against an
other attack of the same disease. This
appears not to be true Of Spanish In.
fluenza.' According to newspaper re
ports the King OF Spain suffered an
attack OF influenza during the cpl
dehc thirty years ago. and was again
stricken during the recent outbreak In
Spain"
How can one guard against Infiu
enxa7
I'm guarding against disease OF all
kinds. 1t II important that the body be
kept strong and able to fight OF dis
ease germs. This can be done by hav
ing proper proportion OF work, play
and rest. by keeping the body vel
clothed. and by eating sufficient whole
some and properly selected food Ir
connection with diet, 1t Is well to re
mciuDor tnul ulllk ID one OF the pes
all-around foods obtalnable for adult,
as we'll as children. SO far as dis
ease like Influenza Is concerned, health
, authorities everywhere recognize ths
very close relation between its spread
and overcrowded homes While II 1,
not always possible. especially IN
times like the present, to avoid sucl
overcrowding, people should consider
:, the health danger and make ever,
effort to reduce the home overcrowd
= ing to minimum. The value Of frest
air through open windows cannot b,
over emphasized.
when crowding Is unavoidable. a,
= In street cars. care should be taken [,
! keep the face so turned as not to In
: hale directly the air breathed out b,
;, another person
. 1T Ii especially important to be
!, ware OF the person who coughs O
: sneezes without covering his moutl
and nose. 1t also follows that on
should keep out of crowds and stuff,
places as much as possible. kee,
: homes, Offices and workshops wei
aired, spend some time out OF door
each day, walk to work II at all prae