446 TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS PREVENTION 



Treatment. Since the body itself must fight this disease, it 

 should be given the best possible environment under which to 

 work. Giving the patient the most healthful conditions is the 

 most we can do for him. Fresh air, sunlight, plenty of sleep, 

 freedom from worry or work, and an abundance of easily digested 

 food such as milk and eggs are the main factors in the treatment. 

 Outdoor treatment is usually best if the climate is mild. It is best 

 and most always necessary to have expert treatment at a sanita- 

 rium under the supervision of a doctor, for at least six months. 



Prevention. There are a number of measures to be observed 

 by individuals in order to prevent infection : keep the resistance 

 of the body high by proper living habits ; have a general physical 

 examination once a year ; teach or compel all tubercular persons to 

 cover their mouths with handkerchiefs when coughing ; use paper 

 cups and paper towels in public places and use only sanitary 

 drinking fountains ; keep the dust down, by using a vacuum 

 cleaner and damp cloth in the home, and by sprinkling and flushing 

 the streets ; keep flies out of the house by screening the doors and 

 windows, and off the food by covering it ; report all cases of 

 tuberculosis not under proper medical care to the Board of Health. 

 The communities can also help to control the spread of tubercu- 

 losis. They should require the inspection and pasteurization of 

 all milk. Only raw milk from tuberculin-tested cows should be 

 sold. They can also aid by enforcing the existing laws against 

 spitting in public places ; requiring Board of Health certificates 

 from the persons who handle foods ; providing for healthful living 

 conditions in tenement houses ; and providing for more hospitals by 

 fostering the sale of Christmas seals. Probably one of the most 

 important ways of controlling the disease, is to educate the peo- 

 ple against the dangers of tuberculosis and the best methods of 

 preventing it. 



The tuberculin test was first devised by Koch in 1890. People 

 kept insisting that he find a cure for the disease, since he already 



