Since the influenza epidemic
began, the Hamilton Board of health generally, and Dr. Roberts, Medical Health
Officers, were often the targets of criticism as the community’s fear and
frustration with the seemingly unstoppable nature of the spread of the disease.
The members of the Medical
Society of Hamilton were often at loggerheads with the members of the board of
health, as the practicing doctors felt that they knew best how to deal with
influenza. There had been occasions where the doctors loudly proclaimed that
the Board of Health members were making wrong decisions, once even to the point
where the doctors no longer were no longer willing to meet with the board of
health on daily basis as the doctors claimed to be far too busy.
Nevertheless, by late
October, 1918, the epidemic was still raging in Hamilton and the death toll
mounting higher every day.
The Medical Society
leadership decided to, in their view, add to the advice that the Board of Hamilton
had been giving citizens, advice that the doctors felt were of a most practical
nature.
“The Medical Society of
Hamilton authorizes the following statement:
“The people of Hamilton are
to be congratulated on the care they have taken to prevent the spread of
influenza. The warnings issued by the local board of health and others have
been heeded, and the advice given is generally followed.
“The result is that the
epidemic is not now as severe as it would otherwise have been, and the cases
treated are less virulent.
“There should not, however,
be any relaxation of the efforts to control the disease, nor any false feeling
of security. Several types are still frequent.
“The history of the epidemic
proves that, right up until the last, there is danger of fresh outbreak. We
must stamp out the disease.
“There are still many people
in Hamilton, who, through carelessness or ignorance, disregard all warnings.
These people not only imperil themselves; they are a menace to the community,
and infect others several days before they themselves develop acute symptoms of
the disease.
“Constant care is still
necessary, as is the avoidance of those who are careless. Do not associate with
people who are negligent. Eternal vigilance is the price of safety.
“Cleanliness, plain food and
early hours are as important now as at any stage of the epidemic.
“Nurses, and others in
attendance on the sick, in addition to masks, should wear dresses that may be
washed and sterilized.
“Various vaccines have been
offered as preventive agents. It should be understood that these are preventive
only, and are of no value after the disease has been contracted. They are all
similar in action. They are not even an absolute preventive, but have been
found to be a definite factor in modifying the severity of the disease.
“The members of the society
earnestly request the people of Hamilton to assist the S.O.S. (Sisters of
Service) to the greatest possible extent. There is great distress in many homes
and help is urgently needed.”1
1“Keep
On Fighting Influenza”
Hamilton Spectator. October 26, 1918.
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