Convalescence following influenza: Glycerophosphates of lime, iron, sodium, magnesium, and potassium, either by sub cutaneous injection or by the mouth. Albert Robin (Bull. Gen. de They., May 15, 30, '95).
Strychnine arsenate or strychnine sul phate ( / 128 grain) every hour or two, not more than eight or ten doses being given daily, admirably supports the nervous system, and therefore the heart. Edi torial (Indian Lancet, May 16, '97).
Gelsemium given in nearly every case, and when given early the results were uniformly successful and no pneumonic symptoms developed. In several cases of sudden onset, with physical signs of the first stages of pneumonia, rusty sputum, etc., all symptoms disappeared within forty-eight hours after treatment with gelsemium was begun. To adults 1 7, or 2 drops of the fluid extract given every half-hour until the physiological effects of the drug are noted. Boise (N. Y. Med. Jour., June 17, '99).
Attention called to subnormal tempera ture and reduced pulse-rate which char acterize the nervous depression follow ing influenza. Strychnine sulphate, grain three times daily, with brandy in doses four or five times a day, recommended. Entire rest seemed to greatly assist recovery. B. J. Byrne (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc., Mar. 10, 1900).
No specific for the malady is known, and the majority of physicians the world over appear to have come to the conclusion that each individual case should be treated on its merits, and that therapeutic remedies for influenza, per se, have but slight curative effects.
The German committee, which was formed after the epidemic of 1892, after obtaining the opinions of six thousand physicians in that country, stated in a general way that the use of drugs has been overdone in the treatment of influ enza, and that a doctor's intelligent ad vice was of infinitely more benefit than quantities of medicine. Rest in bed, the shunning of drastic agents, and, above all, curbing the desire to leave the sick-room until the seeds of the dis ease are entirely eliminated from the system are the only rational procedures.
One great precaution to be observed in the treatment of influenza—as, indeed, in the treatment of all contagious dis eases—is the thorough ventilation of the sick-room and of houses in which cases occur. Editorial (Med. Record, Jan. 19, 1901).
With reference to treatment, there seems to be nothing new, and nothing very effective. There is no specific for grippe, and until there is a protective or a curative serum there probably will be none. Editorial (Phila. Med. Jour., Jan. 19, 1901).
For the relief of the general aching which occurs at the beginning of infec tions diseases aconite is the best drug. After aconite the drug that gives most relief is Dover's powder. With these should be combined some one of the coal tar analgesics, and phenacetin has proved the most useful. A good pre scription is the following: 13 Aconite, solid extract, 1 to 6 grains. Dover's powder, 1 grain. Phenacetin, S grains.
Quinine, 6 grains.
This is sufficient for two pills. Of these pills, six should be taken the first day and each succeeding clay until the fever subsides. Then three should be taken each day, until all the catarrhal symptoms have disappeared.
It is a characteristic of grippe to pro dike painful affections of the accessory sinuses, and the supra-orbital pain which results from this is often almost unbear able. The best remedy for these is a drachm of ergot given every three hours in combination with a drachm of cin chona. Ergot is the ideal remedy for periodical nenralgias. When quinine and Warburg's tincture have failed to give relief it often proves of immediate service.
For the prostration which so often accompanies grippe, fluid extract of coca with nux vomica constitutes the best