INFLUENZA 233 



the respiratory lesion was by far the most common, in 1890-91 

 the gastro- intestinal, and it was not till the third year of the 

 epidemic that the cases affecting the nervous system were 

 seen. In half the cases there is enlargement of the spleen, 

 and many are accompanied by rashes, whilst a few pre- 

 sent patches of purpura ; and there are some cases on 

 record where there was haemoptysis, htematemesis, epis- 

 taxis, and other haemorrhages, during the acute attack. 

 The simple form lasts from three to five days, and the 

 complicated from eight to ten, except those affecting 

 the nervous system, when the patient is often months, or 

 even years, in shaking off" the effects, and there are a few 

 cases where insanity or paralysis has resulted. It is 

 not uncommon for the same patient to have two attacks 

 in one year, and in each fresh epidemic those who have had 

 the disease once are far more liable to be attacked than 

 those who have previously escaped. Half the cases are 

 accompanied by violent pains in the back, reminding one 

 of small-pox, whilst darting, screwing pains at the back of 

 the eyes are almost pathognomonic of the disease ; there 

 is also intolerance of light, and frontal headache. The 

 disease is very fatal to the weak and aged. 



Prophylaxis. — Care should be taken to keep up the 

 general health, and no reliance whatever should be placed 

 on any attempts at ' aerial disinfection.' 



