The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-01-19
FLU SYMPTOMS EXPLAINED BY
 DR. DE viCHNE:
P r eseent Epidemic Has
 Nearly Reached Height D Says Commissioner

lf f-l
 I Dr. H. c. DeVighne, Territorial Hsalth Commissioner, today gave the following explanation of the | present influenza epidemic, it's various symptoms and suggestions for the treatment of the disease. pr. Devighne stated that, while in his opinion the epidemic had presumably reached it's height, lthere had been several new cases leach day this week, and care should be taken against the further spread of the disease.
 pr. Devighne said: f
 "The present epidemic of influ- enza while by no means as ser ious as that of 19l8-1919 is the cause of great inconvenience and in some cases, great suffering. It lis often mistaken for an attack of common cold, or a catarrhal fever, known as the Grippe" and such confusion lead to serious conse- quences since these afflictions may prove to be an annoyance rather than a dangerous disease. Influ- enza is always transmitted direct fly from person to person by the discharges from the nose and the throat, spread by coughing, sneez- ling, etc, and during an epidemic such as the present everyone should exercise extreme care in exposing themselves, and others, to the infections. Four forms of disease are recognized, each mani festing itself in it's own peculiar manner and all, if neglected, ca pablo of serious complications.
 One Form
 "The Nervous Form. In this form Of influenza the catarrhal symptoms are not present. The on- set is marked by headache, pains in the back and joints with great prostration, moderate fever, loss of appetite, dizziness and unusu- ally constipation.
 "The Intestinal Form. In this form the catarrhal and respiratory symptoms are often slight, or ab- sent. The onset is usually with diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, sometimes confus- fever, slight headache, dry tongue the localized tenderness.
 "Thc Fcbrile Form. This also, usually, presents no symptoms in the chest and, often, no symptoms whatever than moderately high fever, slight eadache, dry tongue. and lips.
 Respiratory
 'The Respiratory Form. Since this form of influenza is most. common and may result in pneu- monia. it is the type which de- mands greater care and treatment. It usually begins with fever, head-, ache, dry sore throat, chills and, sometimes. nosebleed. There is of ten dizziress, extreme prostration, and pains in the joints, soon fol- lowed by a dry, painful cought which lasts under favorable cir cumstances, three or four days. The cought then becomes loose with free expectoration, the fever subsidies but the prostration re- mains for three or four days dur ing which time there is a real dan lger of a relapse.
 Treatment: The best treatment of influenza is to call the family physician at once and follow his instructions to the letter. Nothing lis to be gained, in a majority of cases, in attempting to fight off the disease and thereby add to the [existing loss of strength. In gen. eral one should go to bed, keep warm, and take nothing but the most stimulating drinks. This, with whatever medicines may be indi- cated for headache, fever, consti- lpation and cough, usually brings , relief within four or five days"