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Show UNNECESSARY CALLS MADE ON PHYSICIANS Proper Treatment of Mild Cases of Spanish Influenza. Use of Gauze Masks Is Recommended for Those Nursing Sick Handkerchiefs Hand-kerchiefs Are Out of Place Rest Is Important. Washington. In an effort to reduce unnecessary calis on the over-worked physicians throughout the country because be-cause of the present epidemic of Influenza, In-fluenza, Surgeon General Blue of the United Slates public health service calls upon the people of the country to learn something about the home care of patients ill with iniiuenza. Physicians Phy-sicians everywhere have complained about the large number of unnecessary calls they have had to make because of the inability of many people to distinguish dis-tinguish between the cases requiring expert medical care and those which could readily be cared for without a physician. With Influenza continuing to spread In ninny parts of the country, coun-try, and with an acute shortage of doctors doc-tors and nurses everywhere, every unnecessary un-necessary call on either physicians or nurses makes it so much harder to meet the urgent needs of the patients who are seriously 111. Present Generation Spoiled. "The present generation," said the surgeon general, "has been spoiled by having had expert medical and nursing care readily available. It was not so In the days of our grandmothers, when every good housewife was expected to know a good deal about the care of the sick. "Every person who feels sick aud appears to be developing an attack of iniiuenza should at once be put to bed In a well-ventilated room. If his bowels have moved regularly, it is not necessary to give a physic ; where a physic is needed, a dose of castor oil or Rochelle salts should he given. "The room should be cleared of all unnecessary furniture, bric-a-brac, and rugs. A wash basin, pitcher, and slop bowl, soap and towel shouid be at hand, preferably in the room or just outside the door. "If the patient is feverish a doctor should be called, ami this should be done in any case if the patient appears very sick, or coughs up pinkish (bloodstained) (blood-stained) sputum, or breathes rapidly imd painfully. "Most of the patients cough up considerable con-siderable mucus; In some, there Is much mucus discharged from the nose Mid throat. This material should not be collected iu handkerchiefs, but rather in bits of old rags, or toilet paper, pa-per, or on paper napkins. As soon as used, these rags or papers should be placed in a paper bag kept beside the bed. Pocket handkerchiefs are out of place in the sick room and should not be used by patients. The rugs or papers pa-pers iu the paper hag should be biu?n'd. "The patients will not be hosiery, and the diet should therefore be light. Milk, a soft-boiled egg, some toast or crackers, a bit of jeUy or jam, stewed fruit, some cooked cereal like oatmeal, hominy or rice; these will suffice in most cases. Comfort of Patient. "The comfort of the patient depeuds on a number of little things, and these should not be overlooked. Among these may be mentioned a well-ventl-lated room ; a thoroughly clean bed with, fresh, smooth sheets and pillowcases; pillow-cases; quiet, so that refreshing sleep may be had; cool drinking water conveniently con-veniently pluced ; a cool compress to the forehead If there is headache; keeping the patient's hands and face the forehead If there is headiiche; clean, and the liuir combed ; keeping his mouth clean, preferably with si.lne pleasant mouth wash; letting the patient pa-tient know that someone Is within cull, but not annoying him with too mucli fussing; giving the patient plenty of opportunity to rest and sleep. "It is advisable to give the sick room a good airing several times u day, "So much for the patient. It is equally important to consider the person per-son who Is caring for him. It is important im-portant to remember that the disease is spread by breathing germ-laden matter mat-ter sprayed into the air by the patient in coughing or even In ordinary hrealh ing. The attendant should therefore wear a gauze mask over her mouth and nose while she is in the sick rimir Such a mask is easily made by folding a piece of gauze four fold, sewing b piece of tape at the four corners. Observe Cleanliness. "The attend: nt should, if possible, wear a washable gown or an apron which covers ihe dress. This will make It much, simpler to avoid Infection. "It is dosiiab. that all attendants learn how to u: a fever I hei-iiioineier. This is not at all a ditiiculi mailer, and the use of such a thermometer Is a great help in caring for tie1 patients 'I he di tiur-rist who soils ihcse theniiom eters will he glad to show bow ihe.v are ued. "In closinir. anil lest 1 be mi-u:a!er stood. 1 wish to leave one word of camion: If in iloul.i. call the doctor.'' |