Article March 11, 1905 Issue

The Scourge of Fear

Chicago Inter Ocean

The health department of Chicago was not established primarily to frighten people to death, and perhaps that is not its present intention, but the effects of its germ bulletins upon sensitive natures must be exceedingly shocking.

It is quite in accord with good medical opinion and common sense to say that the "warnings" sent out by our health department often tend to foster the conditions that they are intended to end. Telling people who may be suffering from a passing cold that the influenza—or grip—is in the air; that it is more widespread and fatal than at any time since 1891; that they must, therefore, be constantly on their guard against the influenza microbe, which is lurking in everything they eat and drink, in their homes, in their offices, in the workshops, and in public places—warning them not to come into contact with those who have the disease,—as if they knew who had it, or could avoid such contact if they did,—cautioning them to go to bed the moment they think they have it, and practically advising them to imagine that they have it, whether they have it or not—is about the very worst advice that could be given.

If a fraction of the people who are troubled with common colds in this community to-day should become as thoroughly frightened as the health department would have them; should cease to eat, drink, mingle with their fellow-men and be merry; should go home and go to bed and imagine themselves in the clutches of the grip microbe, business would have to suspend, and the rest of the country would be justified in establishing a quarantine against us.

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