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13
Suggestions for the Guidance of Consumptive
Patients.
1. In early stages, many cases of Consumption are curable.
2. It is certain that the material (or "phlegm") coughed
up by persons suffering from Consumption contains the seeds
of the disease.
3. The phlegm, therefore, should not be swallowed, such
a habit may lead to Consumption of the Bowels.
4. Consumptives should not, when indoors, spit on the
floors, but should spit into special spitting cups (or pots) half
full of water. The Phlegm is most dangerous when it dries and
becomes dust.
5. The spitting cups should be emptied into a bright fire
or into the pan of the water-closet, but never anywhere else,
and especially not into the dust heap. Out of doors a pocket
handkerchief may be used, but all soiled handkerchiefs should
be boiled for at least five minutes when they are being washed.
6. The room in which a Consumptive lives by day or
night should be well-aired, and the windows should be thrown
wide open as soon as the patient leaves it. The windows
should always be kept a little open at the top, both day and
night. The chimneys should not be stopped up, but should be
freely open for the passage of air. The floors of the rooms
should be kept very clean, and great care should be taken that
no dust remains upon them. They should be cleaned with a
wet cloth.
7. Consumptive patients ought to sleep by themselves.
8. Mothers who are consumptive should not suckle their
children, and should not themselves make use of the children's
cups, spoons, etc.
9. Clothing and rooms that have been occupied by consumptive
people can be disinfected free of charge on application
to the Medical Officer of Health.
These suggestions are not made for the benefit of sufferers
from Consumption alone, but also in the interests of the family,
for by adopting these means the spread of Consumption may
be prevented.