Influenza Epidemics and the Influenza Viruses-II

Epidemic respiratory infection in a rural population with special reference to the influenza A epidemics of 1933, 1936-7 and 1943-4

A statistical study has been made of the records of respiratory infection in a portion of Wensleydale, Yorkshire, over the period 1933–46, which included three major English influenza A epidemics and one B epidemic.

Each of these epidemics is recognizable in the Yorkshire records. When the incidence in the eight groups of villages comprising the district is compared there is a significant negative correlation between incidence in 1933 and 1936–7, which is taken as indicating the persistence of group immunity following an influenza A epidemic for 4 years.

There was a significant positive correlation between the incidence of the 1943–4 (A) and 1945–6 (B) epidemics.

Vaccination against influenza

This paper reviews studies which have been carried out during the past twenty years in the United States of America to investigate the suitability of various vaccines and vaccination methods for immunizing man against the different influenza virus strains. A number of investigations in closed communities, such as children's institutions, army and navy units, and medical schools, are described. The author discusses the comparative value of the techniques employed in preparing vaccines, and the use of adjuvants in improving the response.