DISEASE GERMS 79 



part or with articles which have come into contact 

 with it. It should prevent the use of the mouth as a 

 "third hand" for holding miscellaneous articles; the 

 moistening with saliva of envelopes or of fingers to 

 turn leaves, etc., which thence may carry infection to 

 the next user. We should think of the danger to 

 others as well as to ourselves. 



This is one of the objections to a common comb 

 and hairbrush, towel, etc. All ready-made gar- 

 ments worn next the skin should be washed before 

 wearing. All garments made under "sweatshop" con- 

 ditions should be avoided, because of the danger of 

 contagion, if for no other reason. Clothes subject 

 to any infectious discharge, as handkerchiefs, towels, 

 etc., should not be washed with other clothes. When 

 possible, all such discharges should be received upon 

 paper or cloths that can be burned immediately. It 

 is well to take this much forethought for the laun 

 dress. 



Especially with such diseases as tuberculosis, pneu- care of 

 monia, and diphtheria, absolute care should be taken 

 that the sputa or discharges from the nostrils and 

 throat as in sneezing or coughing, are not thrown off 

 into the air to become a part of the common dust. 

 When the person himself is able to control the dis- 

 charge he should remember that he may thus re-in- 

 fect himself and also spread the disease. Infected or 

 soiled articles should be immediately disinfected, 

 burned, or boiled. If this cannot be done at once, 



