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Friday, October 17, 2014

What the Residents of Hendersonville, N.C., Knew about the Spanish Flu, Oct. 17, 1918

The October 17, 1918, issue of the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, N.C., had 10 stories related to the Spanish Flu, including two optimistic articles about the waning of the epidemic in the county.

“Influenza Wave Is Subsiding,” from the French Broad Hustler, October 17, 1918
The Spanish influenza seems to have spent its severest force.

Tuxedo and other parts of the Green River section suffered the main force of the epidemic in this county.

Hendersonville has had comparatively little influenza and some portions of the county have not reported a case.

Tuxedo has had nearly 200 cases and seven deaths. Nearly every family in the mill village suffered to some extent, and the Green River Manufacturing company was forced by labor shortage to reduce its operations. Owing to the prevalence of the disease in that community, it suffered in the absence of sufficient nurses. On Wednesday it was reported that the disease had apparently reached its worst stage.

The suffering in Henderson county has been negligible in comparison with that in other sections.

The order allowing church services on next Sunday has not been changed, but there is a feeling against permitting public gatherings on Sunday and the opening of the larger schools on Monday. It is felt that the risk of such gatherings should not be run and that everything possible should be done to stamp out the trouble entirely.

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“All Community Fairs Postponed,” by Frank Fleming, County Agricultural Agent, from the French Broad Hustler, October 17, 1918
On account of influenza being in various parts of the county, the Community Fairs that were to have been held in this county this week and next week have been postponed.

The Tuxedo Fair, which was to have been held Oct. 16, is cancelled altogether. Edneyville was to have been held Oct. 17, Horse Shoe, Oct. 18, and Dana, Oct. 22.

It is hoped that the epidemic will be over in time to hold the Liberty Fair, as scheduled on Nov. 2. I am acting on advice received from Raleigh in making this announcement. No judges will be sent out until the epidemic is over. The State authorities at Raleigh seem inclined to think it best to cancel them altogether, but if conditions improve enough to justify holding the fairs later, they can be held if the weather is not too cold.

I am very sorry that we have to postpone them, but the saving of human life is more important than Community Fairs.

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“Spanish Influenza, Origin, Symptoms, Nature, Causes, Treatment Course, Results,” by U.S. Public Health Service Robert Blue, Surgeon General, from the French Broad Hustler, October 17, 1918
What is Spanish influenza? Is it something new? Does it come from Spain?

The disease now occurring in this country and called “Spanish influenza” resembles a very contagious kind of “cold” accompanied by fever, pains in the head, eyes, back and other parts of the body, and a feeling of severe sickness. In most of the cases the symptoms disappear after three or four days, the patient then rapidly recovering; some of the patients, however, develop pneumonia or inflammation of the ear, or meningitis, and many of these complicated cases die. Whether this so-called “Spanish” influenza is identical with the epidemics of influenza of earlier years is not yet known.

Epidemics of influenza have visited this country since 1647. It is interesting to know that the first epidemic was brought here from Valencia, Spain. Since that time there have been numerous epidemics of the disease. In 1889 and 1890 an epidemic of influenza, starting somewhere in the Orient, spread first to Russia, and thence over practically the entire civilized world. Three years later there was another flare-up of the disease. Both times the epidemic spread widely over the United States.

Although the present epidemic is called “Spanish influenza,” there is no reason to believe that it originated in Spain. Some writers who have studied the question believe the epidemic came from the Orient and they call attention to the fact that the Germans mention the disease as occurring along the eastern front in the summer and fall of 1917.

How Can “Spanish Influenza” be Recognized?
There is yet no certain way in which a single case of “Spanish influenza” can be recognized; on the other hand, recognition is easy where there is a group of cases. In contrast to the outbreaks of ordinary coughs and colds, which usually occur in the cold months, epidemics of influenza may occur at any season of the year, thus the present epidemic raged most intensely in Europe in May, June and July. Moreover, in the case of ordinary colds the general symptoms (fever, pain, depression) are by no means as severe or as sudden in their onset as they are in influenza. Finally, ordinary colds do no spread through the community so rapidly or so extensively as does influenza.

In most cases a person taken sick with influenza feels sick rather suddenly. He feels weak, has pains in the eyes, ears, head or back, and may be sore all over. Many patients feel dizzy, some vomit. Most of the patients complain of feeling chilly, and with this comes a fever in which the temperature rises to 100 to 104. In most cases the pulse remains relatively low.

In appearance one is struck by the fact that the patient looks sick. His eyes and the inner side of his eyelids may be slightly “bloodshot,” or “congested,” as the doctors say. There may be running from the nose, or there may be some cough. These signs of a cold may not be marked; nevertheless the patient looks and feels very sick.

In addition to the appearance and the symptoms as already described, examinations of the patient’s blood may aid the physician in recognizing Spanish influenza, for it has been found that in this disease the number of white corpuscles shows little or no increase above normal. It is possible that the laboratory investigations now being made through the National Research Council and the United States Hygenic Laboratory will furnish a more certain way in which individual cases of this disease can be recognized.

Do People Die of It? What Is the Course of the Disease?
Ordinarily the fever lasts from three to four days and the patient recovers. But while the proportion of deaths in the present epidemic has generally been low, in some places the outbreak has been severe and deaths have been numerous. When death occurs it is usually the result of a complication.

What Causes the Disease and How Is it Spread?
Bacteriologists who have studied the influenza epidemics in the past have found in many cases a very small red-shaped germ called, after its discoverer, Pfeiffer’s bacillus. In other cases of apparently the same kind of disease, there were found pneumococci, the germs of labor pneumonia. Still others have been caused by streptococci, and by other germs with long names.

No matter what particular kind of germ causes the epidemic, it is now believed that influenza is always spread from person to person, the germs being carried with the air along with the very small droplets of mucus expelled by coughing or sneezing, forceful talking, and the like, by one who already has the germs or the disease. They may also be carried about in the air in the form of dust coming from dried mucus, from coughing and sneezing, or from careless people who spit on the floor and on the sidewalk. As in most other catching diseases, a person who has only a mild attack of the disease himself may give a severe attack to others.

What Should Be Done by those Who Catch the Disease?
It is very important that every person who becomes sick with influenza should go home at once and go to bed. This will help keep away dangerous complications and will, at the same time, keep the patient from scattering the disease far and wide. It is highly desirable that no one be allowed to sleep in the same room with the patient. In fact, no one but the nurse should be allowed in the room.

If there is cough and sputum or running of the eyes and nose, care should be taken that all such discharges are collected on bits of gauze or rag or paper napkins and burned. If the patient complains of fever and headache, he should be given water to drink, a cold compress to the forehead, and a light sponge. Only such medicine should be given as is prescribed by the doctor. It is foolish to ask the druggist to prescribe and may be dangerous to take the so-called “safe, sure and harmless” remedies advertised by patent medicine manufacturers.

If the patient is so situated that he can be attended only by some one who must also look after others in the family, it is advisable that such attendant wear a wrapper, apron, or gown over the ordinary house clothes while in the sick room and slip this off when leaving to look after the others.

Nurses and attendants will do well to guard against breathing in dangerous germs by wearing a simple fold of gauze or mask while near the patient.

Will a Person Who Has Had Influenza Catch the Disease Again?
It is well known that an attack of measles or scarlet fever or smallpox usually protects a person against another attack of the same disease. This appears not to be true of Spanish influenza. According to newspaper reports the King of Spain suffered an attack of influenza during the epidemic 30 years ago, and was again stricken during the recent outbreak in Spain.

How Can One Guard Against Influenza?
In guarding against diseases of all kinds, it is important that the body be kept strong and able to fight disease germs. This can be done by having a proper proportion of work, play and rest, by keeping the body well clothed, and by eating sufficient, wholesome and properly selected food. In connection with diet, it is well to remember that milk is one of the best all-round foods obtainable for adults as well as children. So far as a disease like influenza is concerned, health authorities everywhere recognize the very close relation between its spread and overcrowded homes. While it is not always possible, especially in times like the present, to avoid such overcrowding, people should consider the health danger and make every effort to reduce the home overcrowding to a minimum. The value of fresh air through open windows can not be overemphasized.

Where crowding is unavoidable, as in street cars, care should be taken to keep the face turned as not to inhale directly the air breathed out by another person.

It is especially important to beware of the person who coughs or sneezes without covering his mouth and nose. It also follows that one should keep out of crowds and stuffy places as much as possible, keep homes, offices, and workshops well aired, spend some time out of doors each day, walk to work if at all practicable—in short make every possible effort to breathe as much pure air as possible.

“Cover up each cough and sneeze,

If you don’t, you’ll spread disease.”

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“Volunteer Nurses Urgently Called,” from the French Broad Hustler, Oct. 17, 1918
The Red Cross Civilian Relief is in great need of nurses to help people stricken with influenza who are absolutely without aid and the chairman is urgently calling for volunteer nurses to aid in giving relief and assistance to those who have no means except through the Red Cross.
                                --E.W. Bank, Chairman Civilian Relief

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“Danger of Tuberculosis Following Influenza,” by North Carolina State Board of Health, as printed in the French Broad Hustler, Oct. 17, 1918
The epidemic of influenza now prevalent throughout North Carolina and the country at large is serious in its effects but in itself influenza is not deadly. It is the pneumonia and tuberculosis following an attack of influenza that becomes really dangerous to life.

Unless care is taken, the present influenza epidemic may be expected to be followed by a greatly increased death rate from tuberculosis. Pointing out this danger Dr. L.B. McBrayer, chief of the Bureau of Tuberculosis of the State Board of Health, today made the following statement:

“Any disease affecting the respiratory tract, such as Spanish influenza, has a tendency to ‘light up’ any tuberculosis infection that might have been lying dormant. Any person who fails to recover promptly from an attack of Spanish influenza should be very careful. If such person should find a little rise in temperature, 99 or above, in the afternoon, with a subnormal temperature, 98 or below, in the morning, such person should suspect tuberculosis, and should at once have a thorough examination of the lungs by the family physician or a specialist.”

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“Influenza, Its Symptoms, Treatment, Results, Etc.,” a letter from Wade H. Whiteside, Horse Shoe, N.C., as printed in the French Broad Hustler, Oct. 17, 1918
Influenza is an acute contagious disease. Its chief symptoms are due to catarrh of the respiratory tract, together with profound muscular and nervous prostration, and grave complications, especially pneumonia. The disease may be epidemic or pandemic.

It spreads more rapidly than any other disease. It usually begins in the east and spreads in a westerly direction.

In America the case began to appear about the middle of Dec. 1889. In January 1890 it was an explosive epidemic. Then in 1891-2, then again in 1902-3.

Pathology--Self-complicated case the catarral change after death. In complicated cases especially pneumonia, the lesions appear after death.

Modes of Conveyance—A specific germ that is propagated with unusual rapidity that marks the bacillus of Pheiffer must be air-born. All are subject to it. There is no doubt that influenza is communicable by contagion, and evidence is becoming abundant to show that it may be transmitted by formitis.

Manner of Invasion—The contagion probably entered with the inspired air.

Predisposing Causes—There are few since all are subject to the contagion. Age has slight influence.

Immunity—A primary attack of influenza does not bestow immunity, since relapses are frequent.

General Symptoms—The incubation period is quite brief, two or three days. The onset is usually sudden with a severe rigor or repeated chills or shivering with a rapid elevation of temperature, 104 or 105 degrees F., intense headache, distressing pain, and great prostration, restlessness, insomnia and delirium.

The infection may set in (a) by vertigo, (b) by apopletic features (c) by bilious vomiting, (d) by and about the profound prostration. Nose bleeds sometimes. The most striking symptom is pain. The diagnosis is usually not difficult. Prognosis is on the whole good.

All fatalities are due to complications.

Treatment—First prophylaxis. Second see your doctor.

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Religious Service at Cedars,” from the French Broad Hustler, Hendersonville, Oct. 17, 1918.
On last Sunday night, when services were not permitted at churches, Rev. L.F. Hindry of St. Augustine, Fla., conducted religious services at the Cedars, following the supper hour. A collection of $20 was taken for the Red Cross.

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Letter from Baptist pastor E.E. Bomar, from the French Broad Hustler, Oct. 17, 1918
To the members of the First Baptist Church and congregation,

The order of the Health Board closing churches expires after next Saturday, 19th instant. Accordingly, unless there is a further extension of the closing, the First Baptist church will resume its regular services next Sunday.

Sunday school at 9:45; worship and preaching at 11 a.m. and 8:15 p.m.

I want not less than 200 in the Sunday school. The pastor will preach both morning and evening. He wants to see the people at church and to shake hand with them at the close of the services.
                                --Fraternally, E.E. Bomar, Pastor

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Letter from Methodist minister M.F. Moores, as printed in the French Broad Hustler, Oct. 17, 1918
The editor kindly allows me space to address you through this medium this week. I desire to call your attention to the fact that we have just three Sundays before the convening of our annual conference at Monroe. It is desired to receive into the membership of our church those who have recently professed faith in Christ and who desire to united with the church. It is important, too, that we should give especial attention to the assessments upon the charge for missions, education and all the benevolences of the church. It may be encouraging to know that we lack only $200 in meeting the support of our missionary to Korea, Rev. M.B. Stokes, for this year. Let those who have not contributed to this fund see Mr. H.F. Stewart at the earliest convenience.

Under the conditions that exist, it is important that we should come together in our church services at the first opportunity. And now, since the order of the board of health closed our churches only through October the 19th, which is next Saturday, let us meet in Sunday school and church services Sunday, unless there should be another order of the board extending the time of quarantine.

Should there be another order, let us meet for an open air service Sunday at 11 o’clock on the church lawn, provided the weather conditions will permit. In the meantime, the days of anxiety, suspense and suffering, let us be in much prayer. I would earnestly beg all head of families to pray at their family altars both morning and evening.

                                --Yours in Him, F.M. Moores

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“Influenza Epidemic Subsides,” from the French Broad Hustler, Oct. 17, 1918
Washington, Oct. 13—The epidemic of influenza has subsided somewhat in eastern states, but continues to spread in the middle and far west. On the basis of meagre reports received today officials of the public health service bureau were optimistic that the stringent measures taken such as closing schools, churches, theatres and forbidding public gatherings generally had begun to show a beneficial effect.

The office of the surgeon-general of the army made no statement today as to the situation in the army camps.


 

 

 

 

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