“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, 1918On 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, 1918What 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, 1918The 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,
1918The 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, 1918Influenza 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, 1918To 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, 1918The 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,
1918Washington, 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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