The more recent epidemics of influenza have been characterized by a high death-rate among people aged 55 and over, and a decreased mortality in the lower age-groups. The danger appears to lie largely in the pulmonary complications associated with this disease; the declining mortality among the lower age-groups may be a result of the chemotherapeutic agents now available.Two main varieties of complication of the lower respiratory tract are discussed—influenzal bronchitis and bronchiolitis, and influenzal pneumonia. The major part of the study is devoted to a description of influenzal pneumonia, its bacteriology, and methods for its diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis. The need for early treatment is particularly emphasized. The comparative value of various antibiotics is discussed, and courses of antibiotic and sulfonamide therapy, adjusted for conditions arising from different causative organisms, are suggested.
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