Medicine: Light Flu

Since influenza seems to be a regular aftermath of war, U.S. health officers have been on the lookout for an epidemic. Last week they were pleased to note that so far flu had been unusually hard to find. The season's total to date—26,977 cases—is only one-ninth that for the same period last year. The Army, too, has the lowest rate of colds and flu in years. Though spring is still a long way off, health officials hopefully observed that a flu epidemic, if it comes at all, is usually well under way by November.

Why the drop? The new flu vaccine? Unlikely, thought experts; the Army, with fewer troops and fewer troop movements, has given no shots this year; civilian vaccination has not been widespread. Possible explanation: a decline in civilian (and G.I.) travel, fewer mass meetings, an end to factory swing shifts, more staying at home.