INFLUENZA

is an infectious fever due to a germ—tho bacillus infuenze. Infection is = in the air and also by direct contact between the sick and the healthy. The incubation period is two or three days. The symptoms begin suddenly with a rise of temperature to 103° or more, prostration, and pain in the back and head. After the onset the symptoms differ in different be ree In some the chief symptoms are bronchitis, wit st at the eyes and nose, in others vomiting and diarrhoa, and in yet others severe headache, sleeple ne , and delirium. The duration ef the attack is short unle complications occur. of which pneumonia is the most serious. Owing to the severe prostration, convalescence takes longer than in most fevers, and other diseases aro apt to begin at this time, especially consumption. As to the treatment required: The patient should be isolated and put to bed. The diet, which should be nourishing and easily digestible, is best given every two hours by day and every four hours by night. If vomiting is severe, peptonised food may be nece ary. Until the temperature is normal the patient should be confined to bed. This point is of more importance than a popularly Sane an of the serious after-effects of influenza being due to neglect of this simple precaution. The medicine used should be a nivieee as acetate of ammonia, citrate of potash and similar drugs that promote the gentle action of the skin and kidneys; and after the fever is over a tonic is required. A yood seaside holiday before work is resumed is strongly recommende? [s. 377]