320 Life and Health 



measles, and so on, as being "contagious." We do not get 

 consumption from being in contact with a person suffering 

 from it or from his breath, but only by breathing in for a 

 longer or shorter time the germs from the matter coughed 

 up (sputum), or by means of food or drink which has been 

 infected with the consumption germs. 



It is cruel and senseless to shun or neglect a consumptive 

 for fear of catching the disease. Much needless pain has been 

 inflicted upon the sick and suffering in so doing. A consump- 

 tive should be safe and harmless to work or live with, if he is 

 cleanly in his habits, is careful in properly disposing of his 

 sputum, and uses cloths or paper napkins before his mouth 

 when coughing. There is no reason why a consumptive who 

 carefully observes the precautions as set forth in this chapter 

 should be shunned or neglected as dangerous. 



499. How Consumption Germs are scattered by Persons. 

 The germs of tuberculosis are scattered by consumptive per- 

 sons in many different ways. The commonest and most 

 important way is by the matter that leaves the mouth and 

 nose. The germs are present in the matter that is coughed 

 up by persons who have consumption of the lungs, and also 

 in the tiny drops of fluid sprayed from the mouth and nose 

 of such persons during coughing, sneezing, and talking. 



The germ-laden substance from the mouths of consump- 

 tives may cling to glasses, cups, towels, napkins, handker- 

 chiefs, spoons, sheets, pillowcases, slates, slate pencils, toys, 

 and numerous other articles. 



Tubercle bacilli are also scattered in the dust of dried 

 sputum. 



Drinking from glasses or cups without thoroughly cleaning 

 them after they have been used by others is a practice through 

 which not only consumption but also diphtheria, scarlet fever, 

 and some other diseases may be communicated. 



