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Appendix F.
Corporation of London
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
TUBERCULOSIS DISPENSARY (St. Bartholomew's Hospital).
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
WHICH SHOULD BE OBSERVED BY
TUBERCULOUS PATIENTS.
GENERAL FACTS.
Consumption is an infectious disease, and may pass from person to person. It is caused by a
living germ, which may attack any part of the body, particularly the lungs and throat.
The chief source of infection is the expectorated matter (phlegm) of the consumptive patient
which may contain thousands of these living germs. When the phlegm dries these germs are
scattered in the dust, and then blown about by draughts and wind. The germs which remain living
may be breathed in or swallowed by other persons, and in this way may cause the disease.
Germs are also scattered about by severe coughing, even though there be no phlegm.
Infection of others can be prevented if the following directions are carefully carried
out, and the patient will also benefit, as he himself is less likely to get fresh infection
in his own body.
Rules for the Prevention of Consumption.
1.—The patient must use a proper spitting cup. The one for indoor use should be wide-mouthed
and fitted with a lid. Out of doors he must always carry a pocket spitting flask. Both these
vessels must contain a disinfectant, which should be used as directed, in order to prevent the phlegm
becoming dry.
2.—Handkerchiefs should not be used for receiving expectoration. It is preferable to use
pieces of cheap muslin or rag, which can be burnt. They should be kept in a separate washable
pocket lining, which can be removed, and which should be boiled at regular and frequent intervals.
3.—The mouth must be covered by such a handkerchief (not by the hand) during coughing.