“Six thousand, six hundred
cases of Spanish influenza have been reported in the city of Hamilton since the
epidemic first became prevalent, it was announced at the headquarters of the
board of health today. During the past week, there were 462 cases reported, and
40 within the past 24 hours. There were six deaths reported within the same
space of time. The scourge still shows no signs of abatement.”
Hamilton Spectator. October
19, 1918.
The bad news just kept
coming, although it was thankfully leavened with stories of how Hamiltonians
were responding to the needs of their fellow citizens.
As another indication of the
conflict between Hamilton Medical Health Officer Roberts and the city’s
physicians was a statement made by Dr. Roberts on the matter of wearing face
masks:
“Dr. Roberts this morning
came through with the statement that in his opinion the use of influenza masks
so highly recommended by local physicians in public was not only useless, but
probably harmful.
“ ‘A great many well-meaning
people have been calling me up and asking me why don’t we introduce a rule that
masks should be worn, the same as in Buffalo and in other cities. I will never
make such a ruling,’ said Dr. Roberts. ‘The masks prevent the good old ozone
from circulating through the nostrils and lungs, and that can do no good. I do
not even say that using them at sick beds is not harmful. I merely say that I
have no objection to them in such cases.’
“A number of Hamilton
physicians are beginning to practice what they preach, and are appearing in
public in their masks.”1
1 “6,600
Flu Cases Here Since Outbreak : Car Windows Open, Passengers Shivered ; Masks
in Public Not Approved By M.H.O. : Are Useless and Probably Harmful”
Hamilton Spectator. October 18, 1918.
Under the auspices of the
Hamilton Medical Society, the city physicians made the following presentation
as regards how Hamiltonians should be dealing with the influenza outbreak :
The Hamilton Medical
association has given out the following statement :
“The Hamilton Medical
society wishes to impress upon the citizens of Hamilton the absolute necessity
for more stringent measures of protection than have yet been taken by
individuals to prevent the spread of the epidemic of influenza.
“The physicians of the city
have already exceeded the limits of safety in their efforts to attend to the
sick. If the ranks of the physicians are depleted as a result of overwork and
loss of rest, the community will suffer for want of medical assistance.
AVOID CROWDS
“Every effort, therefore,
should be made to check the spread of the disease. It is evident that in this,
as in many other diseases, there are people who are carriers of the disease;
that is, that while they are themselves immune, they spread the germs among
others.
“Therefore, too great care
cannot be taken to avoid contact with other people, even those in apparent
health.
USE OF MASKS URGED
“Do not go within four feet
of any other person in a closed place without wearing a mask. Masks should
certainly be worn in stores and street cars. Masks decrease the danger of
inhaling the germs. The outside of the mask, therefore, becomes contaminated.
Care should be taken to change them quickly and sterilize the used ones by
boiling or ironing with a very hot iron.
“The mask is not a perfect
protection, but it is of great assistance in warding off the disease. Its use,
however, does not do away with the necessity for other precautions.
KEEP CLEAN
“Keep the face and hands
clean by frequent washing. Never take food without previously washing the
hands. Keep the hands from direct contact with the face and mouth.
“At the first evidence of
infection, the patient should be put to bed and isolated from other members of
the family. Both patients and attendants should wear masks. Patients should be
kept warm and given hot lemonade or other hot drinks. A good dose of laxative,
such as castor oil, should be administered promptly. Patients should not become
alarmed at this stage, as rest and quiet are more important than medicines.
“If the above directions are
followed, the disease may be kept within bounds and there need be no uneasiness
if there is a short, unavoidable delay in securing the attendance of a
physician.
“Convalescents must remain
in bed for three days after the temperature is normal, in order to avoid
serious complications and to minimize the danger of spreading the disease.”2
2“How
You May Help Check ‘Flu’ Epidemic : Doctors of Hamilton Say More Stringent
Steps Are Necessary”
Hamilton Herald. October 18, 1918.
Medical Health Officer
Roberts had issued an order that affected everyone riding in the city’s
electric street cars :
“ ‘They have been calling for better
ventilation of the street cars, and now they are going to have it, good and
plenty,’ said Dr. Roberts this morning, referring to the order that windows in
the street cars should be opened on both sides. Patrons of the street cars this
morning were given their first experience of the fresh air treatment, and came
to the unanimous decision that the company might as well bring out the summer
cars.
“George Waller, of the
Dominion Power and Transmission company, called at the board of health offices
this morning to see whether the company was allowed to keep the front
vestibules of the cars closed for the benefit of the motormen.
“ ‘Our motormen would freeze
at their posts if the windows weren’t closed,’ said Mr. Waller. ‘There is a
great deal of discomfort through the order, but the patrons and employees are
enduring without complaint.’2
There was a major depiction
of what the local branch of the Canadian Patriotic Fund was doing to help the
families of Hamilton soldiers serving overseas :
“Something in the way of a record in the
preparation of an emergency hospital has been created in the establishment of a
completely-equipped 24-bed hospital of three wards at Ballinahinch, Upper James
street, by the relief committee of the Canadian Patriotic fund.
“At noon on Tuesday, the
chairman of that committee, A. H. Lovering, received from the trustees of the
property permission to use it, free of rental. On Friday evening, everything
pertaining to the needs of such an institution was in place, even to the sign
on the gate, ‘Canadian Patriotic fund relief hospital. No visitors.’ To install
water, gas, telephone, wash, dust and clean the extensive premises long
unoccupied, provide range, kitchen utensils, glass, china and silverware, coal
and wood, repair defective plumbing, provide beds and bedding for wards’ and
assistants’ rooms, medical and surgical supplies, stationery, forms, charts,
arrange for helpers, nurses and V.A.D.’s in 60 hours meant energy and much
executive ability and co-operation on the part of many persons who, working with enthusiasm, made the seemingly
impossible task possible, and today will see some dependents of Hamilton’s men
overseas, who have been the unfortunate victims of the existing epidemic, in
exceedingly comfortable surroundings, in charge of trained nurses, who hope to
bring them back to health through the prompt of their good friends, the
Canadian Patriotic fund of Hamilton, the only branch of that fund which has in
the present emergency undertaken the not inconsiderable task and expense
involved. This relief hospital, which is for the reception of the dependents of
men overseas or returned who are in the charge of the Patriotic fund only and
who are suffering from Spanish influenza., is splendidly housed in the handsome
and stately mansion for many years the home of the late Edward Martin, K.C. The
former drawing room with a splendid southern exposure; the dining room and
large living room, are fitted up as wards, the latter being provided with cots
for little children. Twenty of the beds have been loaned by the militia
department, together with the regulation bedding, which has been amplified by
the local Canadian Red Cross society, which, with the Secours National, has
stocked the linen room and supplied many ward necessities. The library is now
the office of the nurse in charge, Miss N. P. Pegg, who has associated with her
Mrs. H. G. Snow, Miss Mary Clark, Miss Galvin and Mrs. S. B. Thompson, all
graduate nurses. Two bedrooms are fitted up for the nurses in residence, and a
small isolate ward is also provided on the upper floor.
“The kitchen and pantries will be in charge of Miss F. E.
Garden and Miss Campbell, instructors in domestic science. The kindly response
to the requests of Mr. Cyrus Birge, president, and Mr. Lovering, chairman of
the fund, has been unanimous, ‘not one refusal’ being their report, and many
volunteers, offers of assistance are filed for future acceptance. These
gentlemen who have their given time to such a good purpose have obtained the
necessary encouragement from the staff of nurses and assistants who have
displayed exceptional and inspiring interest in the undertaking, and from those
furnishing advice, assistance and the many and varied supplies.
“The officers of M.D., No.
2, Mrs. P. J. Myler and Mrs. W. A. Spratt for the Canadian Red Cross society,
Miss Lovering, Mrs. Whitton, Mrs. Birge of Secors National, the Green furniture
company limited, the Right House, James Crawford, Benson Johnson Limited, Reid
Press limited, Drs. W. F. Langrill and Huerner Mullin, Mrs, G. Gilles and
others have been of most material help and were in a large measure responsible
for the general result.
“The Queen’s Canadian
hospital committee have sent to Mr. Lovering a donation of $50 to cover
extraordinary expenses and Mrs. Spratt and the other mentioned organizations
have assumed responsibility for various needs, while the hospital exists.
“The Hamilton Medical association will provide
an advisory committee, and with the nurses and Mrs. AR. Hendrie, Misses F.E.
Barker, Leslie Sutherland, Geraldine Grantham, Miss Rousseaux, Miss Husband and
other V.A.D.’s the welfare of patients would seem to be assured. Should the
epidemic spread amongst the class for whom this splendid emergency hospital has
been created, the gentlemen responsible for its opening and equipment will have
given a further and substantial evidence of the capabilities of the relief
committee of Hamilton Patriotic fund, and will have done a great good for those
in their charge. The expense of supplies and maintenance, which will be
considerable notwithstanding, voluntary service of the assistants and nurses
will be borne by the patriotic fund.”3
3 “Hospital
Was Fitted Up in Record Time : Ballinahinch Now Ready For ‘Flu’ Patients :
Twenty Beds Loaned to the Militia Authorities : Advisory Committee From Medical
Council”
Hamilton Spectator. October 19, 1918.
Finally, a series of brief
items from the day’s news on the influenza front:
“A meeting of the board of health was held
this morning, at which plans were made for the organization of a local branch
of the Ontario Emergency Voluntary Health auxiliary, which has been authorized
by the provincial board of health. It was decided to hold an organization
meeting at the city hall on Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock, at which all
citizens who have the interests of the public health at heart are asked to
attend. It was stated that the meeting does not come under the prohibitions of
the board of health, as it is directly incidental to the stamping out of the
disease.
“Controller Jutten returned
from Toronto yesterday, having completed arrangements for the improvised
ambulance to take patients to the hospitals. The controller first borrowed a
Ford chassis, and went to Toronto where he purchased a body. The ambulance will
be in use on Monday.
“The Jockey club temporary
hospital will be opened on Monday, according to T.H. Pratt, chairman of the
hospital board. Arrangements are being made for the placing of a good nursing
staff at the institution.
“Among many other pathetic cases of distress
reported at the board of health office was one this morning in which a whole
family was suffering from the influenza. Arrangements were made for the relief
of the family.
“The school at the Beach was
closed yesterday until further notice. The sandstrip has remained fairly free
from the epidemic and no cases have been reported among the school children,
but the authorities decided that it would be well to close the school as a
precaution.
“There are at present nearly
sixty cases in St. Joseph’s hospital and one death occurred this morning.”3
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