Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 281, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1918 — ADVICE TO “ELU" CONVALESCENTS [ARTICLE]

ADVICE TO “ELU" CONVALESCENTS

SPAIN AND ENGLAND REPORT, INCREASE IN TUBERCULOSIS AFTER INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC, U. S. Public Health Service Warns Public Against Tuberculosis: One Million Casqs Tuberculosis in United States—Each a Source of Danger. Influenza Convalescents Should Hava Lungs Examined—Colds Which Hang Oh Often Beginning of Tuberouloal*. No Cause for Alarm If Tuberculosis Is Recognized Early—Patent Medicines Not to Be Trusted. f >► ■■■

Washington, D. C.—(Special.)—According to a,report made to the United States Public Health Service, the epidemic of influenza in Spain has already caused an increase in the prevalence and deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis. A similar association between influenza and tuberculosis was recently made by Sir Arthur Newsholme, the chief medical officer of the English public health service, in his analysis of the tuberculosis death rate in England. In order that the peopled the United States may profit by the experience of other countries Surgeon General Rupert Blue of the Ignited States Public Health Service has just issued a warning emphasizing the need of special precautions at the present time. “Experience seems to indicate," says the Surgeon General, “that persons whose resistance has been weakened by an attack of influenza are peculiarly susceptible to tuberculosis. With millions of Its people recently affected with Influenza this country now offers conditions favoring the spread of tuberculosis.”

One Million Consumptives In the United States. , "Then you consider this a serious menace?” was asked. “In my opinion it is, though I hasten to add It is distinctly one against which the people can guard. So far as one can estimate there are*at present about one million cases of tuberculosis in the United States. There is unfortunately no complete census available to show exactly the number of tuberculosis persons In each state despite the fact that most of the states have made the disease reportable. In New York city, where reporting has been in force for many years, over 35,000 cases of tuberculosis are registered with the Department of Health. Those familiar with the situation believe that the addition of unrecognized and unreported cases would make the number nearer 50,000. The very careful health survey conducted during the past twq, years in Framingham, Mass., revealM 200 cases of tuberculosis in a population of approximately 15,000. If these proportions hold true for the United States as a whole they would indicate that about one in every hundred persons is tuberculous. Each of these constitutes a source of danger to be guarded against” What to Do. In his statement to the public Surgeon General Blue points out how those who have had Influenza should protect themselves against tuberculosis. “All who have recovered from influenza," says the Surgeon General, “should have their lungs carefully examined, by a competent physician. In fact, it to have several examinations made a month apart Such examinations cannot be made through tht clothing nor can they be carried out in two or three minutes. If the lungs are found to be free from tuberculosis every effort should be made to keep them so. This can be done by right living, good food and plenty of fresh air.” Danger Signa. The Surgeon General warned especially against certain danger signs, such as “decline” and “colds which hang on.” v These, he explained, were often the beginning of tuberculosis. “If you do not get well promptly, if your cold seems to hang on or your health and strength decline, remember that these are often the early signs of tuberculosis. Place yourself at once under the care of a competent physician. Tuberculosis is curable in the early stages. Patent Medicines Dangerous in Tuberculosis. “Above all do not trust in the misleading statements of unscrupulous patent medicine fakers. There is no specific medicine for the cure of tuberculosis. The money spent on such medicines is thrown away; it should be spent instead for good food and decent living."

Beware tuberculosis after influenza. No need to worry if you take precautions in time. Don’t diagnose your own condition. Have your doctor examine your lungs several times at monthly intervals. Build up your strength with right living, good food and plenty of fresh air. Don’t waste money on patent medicines advertis’ed to cure tuberculosis. Become a fresh-air crank and enjoy life.