Influenza organisms analysed

‘‘British medical journals are reporting on the epidemics of socalled Spanish influenza,’’ said Dr Thacker to a reporter, ‘‘and from observations under microscope, and by culture, it is proved, on the authority of Professor Hort, of Birmingham University, that 8 per cent of the organisms are influenza (Pfieffer’s bacillus), or true influenza, and that the other organisms are micrococci and diplococci — that is, of the pneumococcus and cerebrospinal meningitis type. ‘‘The worldwide epidemic is one of mixed infection,’’ Dr Thacker added.

‘‘The patient gets ordinary influenza symptoms, and then the other acute organisms present take charge, particularly on the nervous system and the lungs — that is, septic pneumonia. This is particularly the case in crowded, damp surroundings, and outside cases coming into a locality that is already affected will always increase the virulence of the trouble. That is probably what happened in Auckland. That the authorities recognised it to be so is proved by the prophylactic processes they are putting forward, in the way of inhalants and inhaling chambers. The proper course for the patient attacked,’’ Dr Thacker added, ‘‘is to give up occupation and get into bed between blankets, drinking copiously of broths and fruit drinks, and if there is great depression, alcohol, wither as effervescing wine or spirits diluted with effervescing waters.