INFLUENZA
is, like diphtheria, a somewhat mysterious infectious disease. Like the latter it almost disappeared for a series of years, and then again became epidemic in 1889. The previous epidemics of influenza in the 19th century had occurred in 1803, 1833, 1837-8, and 1847-8. The causes of this recurrence of influenza are unknown. It is spread from person to person by direct infection, the infection being conveyed by the mucous discharge from the nose, throat, and lungs. Pocket-handkerchiefs probably are largely responsible for conveying the infection as dust. The disease is particularly fatal to the old; and these should not expose themselves to possible sources of infection, as in public places of assembly, during an epidemic. Every patient attacked with the disease should remain indoors for at least ten days. This is in his own interest, as he thus minimises the risk of such dangerous complications as pneumonia; and it is his duty in the interest of the rest of the community. Many lives might have been saved, had not influenzal patients “struggled about” during the early stages of the disease.