THE MICROBE OF PNEUMONIA 163 



These counter-irritants lessen the irritation 

 within the lungs, and thus assist the patient in 

 fighting the foe. The object is to tide the patient 

 over the danger period. The germs erelong are 

 poisoned to death by the very poison which they 

 generate. If the patient can hold out until this 

 point is reached, his hopes of recovery are great. 



But, under all circumstances, avoid drugs. If 

 taken, they only lessen the chances of conquering 

 the disease. 



Still better, try to prevent the disease. It is 

 contagious. Quarantine every patient. Take 

 good care of your health. Pneumonia is not un- 

 frequently complicated with other diseases. Avoid 

 these diseases. Sound and vigorous health is, at 

 present, the best known preventive. 



One thing more; rid your house of mice. There 

 are good reasons for believing that the house mouse 

 is one means of spreading this disease. It dies with 

 pneumonia. The carcase may be left in some nook 

 or corner. It is filled with germs. These may be 

 communicated in various ways to persons in the 

 house. Exterminate this rodent. It has no busi- 

 ness in your house anyway. 



