"Influenza is “grippe.” It is now spreading over the country in epidemic for. The last extensive epidemic occurred in 1889-90, and the disease was very prevalent for several years after. The present epidemic disease is plain influenza. The term “Spanish influenza” has been applied because of its recent prevalence in Spain. Influenza occurs every year in the United States, but it is more contagious during an epidemic, and pneumonia is a more frequent complication. Influenza is caused by a germ, the “influenza bacillus”, which lives but a short time outside of the body. Fresh air and sunshine kill the germ in a few minutes. The disease is spread by the moist secretions from the noses and throats of infected persons. Protect yourself from infection, keep well, and do not get hysterical over the epidemic. Beware of those who are coughing and sneezing. Avoid crowded street cars-walk to the office if possible. Keep out of crowds-avoids theaters, moving-picture shows, and other places of public assembly. Do not travel by railroad unless absolutely necessary. Do not drink from glasses of cups which have been used by others unless you are sure they have been thoroughly cleansed. You can do much to lessen the danger to yourself by keeping in good physical condition. Avoid close, stuffy, and poorly ventilated rooms-insist upon fresh air, but avoid disagreeable drafts. Eat simple, nourishing food and drink plenty of water. Avoid constipation. Secure at least seven hours sleep. Avoid physical fatigue. Do not sleep or sit around in damp clothing. Keep the feet dry. Influenza usually has a sudden onset with chillness, severe headache, and “aching all over.” At times the disease begins with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Fever begins early. Frequently catarrhal symptoms do not appear until later. When they do they are the symptoms of a bad cold I the head with a raw throat and dry cough. Weakness and prostration out of proportion to the fever are common. Former epidemics have been characterized by marked mental depression. In the present epidemic many of the cases are having a gradual onset-more like a gradually increasing cold in the head. Practically, the great danger from influenza is pneumonia, which tends to follow in a considerable percent of the cases."