396 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY 



The best known measures to avoid the spread of influenza 

 are the following : 



1. Prevent the crowding of people together in homes, 

 schools, churches, theatres, cars, etc. 



2. Provide plenty of ventilation. 



3. Avoid extremes of temperature. 



4. Provide ample nourishment and take recreative exercise 

 out of doors. 



Measles. The cause of this disease is unknown. The 

 incubation period is from five to ten days (average seven). 

 A patient may "give" the disease to others, however, five days 

 before he is aware that he has the disease. The most infective 

 stage is when the patient is first "breaking out." 



To prevent epidemics the following precautions should be 

 observed : 



1. All cases should be reported and isolated for five days 

 after "breaking out." 



2. Those exposed should refrain from contact with others 

 for fifteen or eighteen days. Exceptions to this are those who 

 have had measles earlier, as they are permanently immune. 



3. Avoid contact with people by keeping away from crowds, 

 particularly indoor gatherings. 



Disinfection of rooms recently occupied by measles patients 

 seems to be unnecessary. Middle-ear infection is the most 

 common consequence of measles, while diphtheria and pneu - 

 monia following measles are often fatal. 



Cerebro-spinal meningitis. - - Epidemics of this disease 

 occur in late winter and spring, and among children below five 

 years, or young people between sixteen and twenty-four 

 years of age. This disease is spread by discharges from the 

 mouth and nose ; and many carry the disease germs and infect 

 others, without themselves being sick. Such people are 

 called "carriers." 



