Flu

Influenza is not worrying U. S. public health officials. But it is increasing: last week 44 States reported 3,867 cases. The week before the same States had 2,687 cases. Year ago they had 2,378.

New York City was the sickest community, with 1,005 cases last week. Statistics of some States: New Jersey 282; South Carolina 1,078; Georgia 168; Tennessee 121; Maryland 113; North Carolina 112; Alabama 126; Arkansas 101; Oklahoma 169.

These are the reported figures. Because physicians usually report only the graver cases of influenza, health commissioners estimate that the actual number of people ill with influenza is five times the reported number.

Because influenza this year is of a mild type which has not often caused pneumonia,* the health men are not greatly concerned. Nonetheless, Surgeon General Hugh Smith Gumming of the U. S. Public Health Service saw fit to advise the public last week on how to guard themselves. His gist: "Go home and go to bed. . . . Call the doctor . . . remain in bed; eat a simple diet; take plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, milk, bouillon and hot soups at frequent intervals. . . . Do not take any so-called cure. There is no specific cure."

*The first week of January, 88 populous cities reported 780 deaths from influenza and pneumonia. The same cities reported 810 deaths the corresponding week of 1930.

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