The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1918-12-28
Various Features Of Influenza We're
Discussed by Experts
Treatment Of Disease and Preventive
Measures Are Results Which
Are Set Forth

Jacksonville, Dec. 27.-The Flor
ida State Board of Health was we'll
represented at the sessions Of the
American Public Health Association
in Chicago, December 8 to IL, and
state medical officials who have re-
turned from there give some interest
ing facts about the influenza and
measures to prevent its spreading.
Influenza from many angles was
discussed by the doctors Of all Sec
tons of the country and Florida
health officials have summed up the
situation for the benefit of the people
of the state, which combine the views
Of the leading practitioners of the
United States. Following are some of
the findings presented by the state
authorities:
Take Prompt Action
If it be admitted that influenza is
spread solely through the discharges
from the noses and threats Of other
persons susceptible to the disease,
then no matter what the causative or
ganism or virus may ultimately be de-
termined to be, preventive action
logically follows the principles named
below and, therefore, 1t is not neces-
sary to wait for the discovery Of the
specific micro-organism or virus be-
fore taking such action.
Break the channels Of communica-
ton by which the infective agents
pass from one person to another.
Render persons exposed to infection
immune, or at least more resistant by
the use of vaccines.
Increase the natural resistance OF
persons exposed to the disease, by
augmented helpfulness.
Breaking the channels of commun.
ication:
By preventing droplet infection. The
evidence offered indicates that this IL
of prime Importance.
BY sputum control. The evidence
offered indicates that the danger here
is due chiefly to contamination of the
hands and common eating and drink
ing utensils.
Since disease is probably largely a
group or crowded problem, the fol.
lowing sub-heads are especially i'm,
portant:
Gatherings Are Agencies
Since the spread Of influenza is
recognized as due to the transmission
of mouth and nasal discharges fror
persons infected with influenza, some
of whom may be aware Of their con.
dition but others unaware of it, to the
mouths and noses Of other persons
gatherings Of all kinds must be
looked upon as potential agencies for
the transmission Of the disease. The
limitation of gatherings with respect
to size and frequency, and the regu'
lation Of the conditions under which
they may be held must be regarded
therefore, as essential administrative
procedure,
Non-essential gatherings should b.
prohibited. Necessary gathering!
should be held under such conditions
as will insure the greatest possibl,
amount of floor space to each indi
vidual present and a maximum o
fresh air, and precautions should b
taken to prevent unguarded sneezine
coughing, cheering, etc.
Where the necessary activities @
the population, such as the perform
ance of daily work and earning of
living, compel considerable crowdin
and contact, but little is gained B
closing certain types of meeting pla,
es. II, on the other hand, the con
munity can function without mach
contact between individual membe
thereof, relatively much is gained
closing or preventing assemblages.
Contact In Schools
AS to the closing of schools the
are many questions to be considere
theoretically, schools increase L
number and degree of contacts
tween children. If the schools a
closed, many of the contacts viii
the children will make are likely
be out of doors. Whether or not Gle
ing will decrease or increase contac
must be determined locally. obviou
ly, rural and urban conditions diff
radically in this regard.
Are the children in coming to al
going from school exposed to inclel
ent weather or long rides in owe
crowded cars?
Is there an adequate nursing al
inspection system in the schools?
Is it likely that teachers, ply.
clans and nurses can really identi
and segregate the infected seho
child before 1t has an opportunity
make number of contacts in hall