Influenza is an infectious disease characterized by catarrh of the mucous membranes of the air passages, and alimentary canal. It is contagious, and the bacilli are often present in great numbers, even after the severe symptoms have subsided.

The period of incubation is one to four days. Attacks begin with slight fever, chilliness, headache, depression of spirits, pains in various parts of the body, and watery discharges from the nose.

La grippe is liable to affect any organ of the body, and particularly the kidneys and nervous system. Isolation should be practiced when possible, and old people and invalids should be especially guarded from infection. Death may result from heart failure or pneumonia.

Diet

In this disease it is desirable for the patient to eat as much wheat phosphates as possible, as nearly all persons who are seriously afflicted with la grippe have impoverished blood. If no diarrhoea exists, wheat bran boiled four hours, dried and roasted until brown and then ground to fine flour and eaten with milk, or milk and beaten egg, will give surprising results. As soon as improvement begins the patient should have all the nourishing food that can be digested. Cream, nut oils, malted nuts, cereal foods well cooked, dry bread, toast and meat powder may be added to the dietary. The excessive use of coffee helps keep up the nervousness in this disease.