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¬ 
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, 
Care of 
Discharges 
