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72
pouch, sponge bag, or other waterproof receptacle. On returning
home the paper or rags should be burnt, and the pouch or bag well
washed with disinfectant.
All persons who have a chronic cough should carry out the above
precautions.
The knives, forks, spoons,-plates, cups, &c., used by a consumptive
patient should be put into boiling water immediately after use,
and should never be used by another person.
The patient's night-clothes, sheets, pillow-slips, &c., should not
be mixed with the general washing of the family, nor sent to a
public laundry, but should be boiled and then washed by themselves
at home.
A consumptive patient should, if possible, occupy a separate
bedroom, or at least a separate bed. The rooms should have plenty
of sunlight and be kept well ventilated and well lighted. The
windows should always be open. Fresh air and sunlight will not
only help the patient to recover, but will also help to prevent the
other members of the family from becoming consumptive.
Carpets, curtains and upholstery should not be used in a consumptive's
room. If already in use they should be removed and
disinfected. If the patient's clothes, pillows or bedclothes become
soiled with sputum they should be at once disinfected by steam or
washed with boiling water.
The floor of a consumptive's room should be thoroughly washed
with soap and water at least once a week and should always be kept
free from dust. The floor should not be swept unless tealeaves
moistened with disinfectant have first been scattered over it to
prevent the dust from rising.
The best way to remove the dust is to wipe the floor with a wet
cloth. The articles of furniture, &c., in the room should be dusted
with a damp duster. Dry dusting and sweeping may scatter infectious
dust about the room and thus be a source of danger to the
patient and to other persons. Every three months the walls should
be rubbed down with dough which should then be burnt.
Consumptives should not kiss on the lips.
A male consumptive should not wear beard or moustache, but
should be clean shaved.
When it has been decided that anyone is suffering from Consumption
the house should be thoroughly disinfected.
On a request made in writing to the Health Department,
disinfection will be carried out free of charge.
Consumption was formerly thought to be an incurable disease.
This is a great mistake. Recovery from consumption is not at all