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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 2 (June 1, 1933)

The Winter Enemy

The Winter Enemy.

This is the season of coughs and colds. A great deal can be done towards keeping immune from colds by building up resistance to withstand the germ infection. Wearing suitable clothing (which should be warm without being stuffy), giving attention to diet, having as much exercise, fresh air and sunshine as you can get, maintaining proper personal hygiene, avoiding hot stuffy rooms and crowded buildings, and, last but not least, keeping your distance from infected persons—these are the important factors in keeping fit.

If you have a heavy head, dry throat, and that cold shivery feeling, it is well to take precautions. Take a hot bath and get right to bed, with a hot-water bottle and an extra blanket, have hot lemon drinks or milk and perhaps two aspirin tablets. This treatment should break up the “cold” if the infection is not severe, and you should be well in the morning, otherwise you must keep to your room and bed for a day or two and take precautions not to spread the infection.

It is especially necessary for anyone with a cold not to come in contact with sick or elderly folk, as they are predisposed to infection owing to their lowered vitality and powers of resistance. So do not visit sick friends in hospital until you are quite recovered and free of infection.

* * *

To Give an Inhalation.

Inhalations are often ordered for head and chest colds. The usual medium is a jug of hot water with inhalant and a bath towel over the head. This is not the best way to give an inhalation, as the pores of the skin are opened to admit a chill and the eyes are parboiled. The correct way is to pour a pint of boiling water into a receptacle with the inhalant ordered, and leave for a minute or two to cool somewhat. Surround with a towel folded to form a funnel; the steam then goes directly into the nose and into the passages and lungs without the discomfort of steaming the face. Another way is to cover the receptacle with a brown paper bag with a small hole cut in the corner. After use, the paper bag should be burnt.

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