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37
The knives, forks, spoons, plates, cup, &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, pillowslips, &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 a 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 uncommon. It depends largely upon the careful
observance of the rules on this card. Other important points
are:—
Plenty of nourishing food.
Abstinence from alcohol unless it is ordered by a doctor.