476 CERTAIN OTHER BACTERIA 



the harboring and growth of germs, and should be removed. 

 Teeth should be straightened so that correct breathing will be 

 possible. Nasal douches should not be used regularly, as the 

 solutions used in them may be irritating to the delicate mucous 

 membranes, and may cause an infection. If the nasal passages 

 are in healthy condition, strict observance of the rules of individ- 

 ual hygiene is likely to prevent colds. Living and sleeping out- 

 of-doors will keep fresh air in the lungs and will prevent colds. 

 Children with colds should be kept home from school in order to 

 keep the infection from spreading. 



Remedial measures. A cold is very likely to run a regular 

 course, although proper treatment may relieve some of its un- 

 pleasant features. The patient should avoid drafts and keep warm. 

 If it is possible to stay in bed for a day, many of the symptoms 

 can be mitigated. A hot foot-bath, hot drink, and massaging 

 the neck and chest well just before going to bed are often very 

 beneficial. These measures help in stimulating circulation and in 

 breaking up the congestion. If the weather is mild and sunny, 

 the patient should spend as much time as possible out-of-doors. 

 There are special vaccines prepared against colds and used with 

 some slight degree of success. They are sometimes successful in 

 stimulating a person's body to work up an immunity. 



Influenza. Epidemics of influenza have spread all over the 

 world, therefore, it is frequently called a pandemic disease. In- 

 fluenza of the respiratory tract is the most common form of the 

 disease, although there are other forms. It usually starts with a 

 cold, followed by a high temperature and extreme weakness. It 

 may extend mto the lungs and cause bronchitis or pneumonia. 

 The disease is spread by direct contact. The secretions of the 

 mouth and nose carry the infectious agents. Droplet infection 

 is generally considered to be the method of spreading influenza. 

 Unlike many other diseases, one attack does not usually establish 

 an immunity. 



