Epidemic Influenza: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Laboratory Aspects of the 1940-1941 Outbreak in St, Louis

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Abstract
Several institutional outbreaks afforded an excellent opportunity to study epidemic influenza in its various aspects and to ascertain the practicability of laboratory methods now available for the study of this disease. Similar analyses were made with specimens from persons with acute noninfluenzal respiratory diseases in an effort to differentiate true influenza from its imitators. Correlation of clinical findings with results of the neutralization and complement-fixation tests are presented. The authors believe that the complement-fixation test is a simple and specific serological procedure which does not require highly trained personnel or special equipment, as contrasted to the neutralization test, which is a more complicated and delicate procedure. Public health laboratory workers throughout the country should familiarize themselves with the complement-fixation test for influenza, in order to be prepared for future outbreaks.

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