How to GUARD against this DISEASE....

Although there is no known means of vaccination or inoculation against polio, many things can be done to lessen the possibility of getting the disease.

First of all, if an epidemic occurs, you should follow the instructions of the local public health officer. He will also decide in what cases gamma globulin is needed.

Secondly, it is wise to avoid crowded places, especially indoors where there is opportunity for close contact and possible infection.

In addition, food and water should be obtained only from absolutely reliable sources.

Every effort should be made to insure that flies, mice, rats, and other vermin are kept out of the home, as they are possible carriers of infection.

You and your children should get plenty of rest and wholesome food, avoid over-exertion and excessive fatigue.

Do not travel into areas where there is much polio or go swimming when many cases have occurred in your locality.

Further, many physicians may advise postponing the removal of tonsils, the extraction of teeth, or other operations in or about the nose, throat, or mouth when the disease is prevalent in the community.

The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and other Agencies will help polio patients as much as possible. But the best kind of help is that which you, yourself, can give by taking every precaution to keep the disease from striking anyone in your family. Proper rest, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise in the fresh air and sunshine tone up the body and help increase the system’s resistance to disease. By following these and other common-sense rules of wholesome living, your family will be taking a major step toward health and happiness.

This is one of a series of health booklets prepared by

THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA

a mutual life insurance company

COMB 4×39—ED 3-54 Printed in U. S. A. by Prudential Press