The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1927-01-20
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BY DIR. ARTHUR L. FOSTER
Copyright the Corporation Ccapo)
Copyright by the Corporation Cbcaro)
THE MENACE OF FLU
BY DIR. ARTHUR L. FOsTEI

THE MENACE OF FLU
During the closing months of 1918
through 1919, and during the first
months of 1920 pandemic of infu-
enza swept the earth leaving in its
wake trail of death as great as that
of any epidemic in the worlds history
The Probable Cause of Flu.
The mahgnancy which the disease
manifested during this epidemic led
many to wonder if it really was the
ordinary form of influenza, or grip,
which is more or less prevalent at all
times. Certain it is that nothing in
the memory of those who have studied
the subject even approached it in vir-
ulence. People in the full flush of
health were struck down and killed
| quickly, irresistibly and despite any,
thing done for them. We were as
helpless during this pandemic as we
were during any like epidemic of past
years.
That the exciting cause is an infect
ing organism there can be no ques-
ton. It is, however, extremely doubt
full whether the influenza bacillus iso-
lated by Pfeiffer in 1891, which has
since been regarded as the specific
cause of the disease, is really that.
Without going into tiresome detail. it
may be stated that mass of evidence
exists tending to show that we have
not yet found the bacterium that spec
ifiically causes influenza. 1t perhaps
remains for some one to find an or
ganism that may be so small it passes
detection under the most powerful mi
croscope of the present day.
Prevention of Flu
In the consideration of this topic
! have in mind the form of influenza
as we customarily see it, not the type
that prevailed during the last pandem-
ic. do not consider that any of the
usual prophylactic measures were
worth the time expended in carrying
them out during that epidemic. No
measure of resistance was proof
against its attack. It struck down
the flower of manhood men in
our army camps, who were presumed
to be, and were, the very cream of
the virile manpower of the nation.
And they succumbed to it without
struggle.
Vaccination Against Flu.
During the recent world epidemic
many scientific minds were engaged in
the development of vaccines against
influenza. Various kinds of vaccine
were made, but none of them possess
ed a great deal of merit-at any rate,
50 far as control of the mortality rate
of the disease is concerned. There is
however, abundant evidence that vac.
Zine does have considerable influence
n preventing the disease But once it
las developed, vaccination lacks any
value.
AZ .
Like any other infectious disease in
luenza successfully attacks especially
hose whose resistance is low. And SO j
is obvious that all measures design t
d to maintain ones resistance at the
ighest point of perfection constitute 9
he basis protection gainst this dis +
ase. :
These | would epitimize as follows: p
Get plenty of sleep and rest every
light.
Eat wholesome food of the .oper
inds.
Avoid crowded places, like street
ars and movies.
Do not drink alcoholic liquors to :
ycess.
Safeguard agaist undue exposure to :,
I'D and wet.
Get out doors every day in the
esh air and sunlight.
Isolate the sick insofar as is pos
BILE.
Do not let people sneeze or cough in
,ur face.
At the first sign of "cold" call
ctor and go to bed.
Don't think you can fight the Flu.
ou don't get the Flu-it gets you.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Eye Trouble.
Mrs. G. E. r. writes: II am a young
lrried woman, 80 years old. Height
L.. IL