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Show DOCTORS CALLED WITHOUT CAUSE Imperative That Physicians .and Nurses Not Be Summoned Unless Necessary. PROPER CARE OF PATIENTS Surgeon General Blue Tells What to Do for Persons Sick With Spanish Influenza Use of Gauze ' Masks Recommended. Washington. In an effort to reduce unnecessary culls on the over-worked physicians throughout the country because be-cause of the present epidemic of Influenza, In-fluenza, Surgeon General Blue of tho United States public health service calls upon the people of the country to learn something about the home care of patients ill with influenza. 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 many parts of the country, coun-try, jind with an acute shortage of doctors doc-tors and nurses everywhere, every unnecessary un-necessary cull on either physicians or nurses makes It so much harder to meet the urgent needs of the patients who are seriously ill. 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 lu the days of our grandmothers, when every good housewife, was expected to know a good deal about the care of the sick. "Kverj person who feels sick and appears to be developing an attack of influenza should at! once be put to bed iu a well-ventilated room, if his bowels huv moved regularly, it is not necessary to give a physic ; where a physic is needed, a dose of castor oil or Rochelle salts should be given. "The room should he cleared of all unnecessary furniture, bric-a-brac, and rugs. A wash basin, pitcher, and slop howl, soap and towel should he at hand, preferably in the room or just outside the ddor. "If the patient is feverish a doctor should be called, and this should be (lone in any case if the patient appears very sick, or coughs up pinkish (bloodstained) (blood-stained) sputum, or breathes rapidly and painfully. "Most of the patients cough tip considerable con-siderable amicus; In some, there Is much mucus discharged from the nose and tliroMt. This material should not be collected in handkerchiefs, but rather iu bits tf 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 Lu the sick room and should not be used by patients. The rags or papers pa-pers in the paper bag should be burned. "The patients will not be hungry, and the diet should therefore be light. Milk, a soft-boiled egg, some toast or crackers, a bit of jelly or jam, stewed fruit, some cooked cereal like oatmeal, hominy or rice these will suffice lu most cases. Comfort of Patient. "The comfort of the patient depends on a number of little things, and these should not be overlooked. Among these may be mentioned a well-ventilated room ; a thoroughly clean bed with fresh, smooth sheets and pillowcases; pillow-cases; quiet, so that refreshing sleep may be had; cool drinking water convenient!" con-venient!" placed ; a cool compress to the forehead If there is headache; keeping the patient's hands and face clean, and the hair combed ; keeping his mouth clean, preferably with some pleasant mouth wash ; letting the patient pa-tient know that someone Is wlthiu call, but not annoying blni with too much fussing; givir.g the patient plenty of opportunity to rest and sleep. "It Is advisable to give the sick room a good airing several times a day. . "So much for the patient. It Is equally important to consider the perron per-ron 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 breathing. breath-ing. The attendant should therefore wear a gauze mask over her mouth and nose while she is in the sick room. Such a mask is easily made by folding a piece of gauze four fold, sewing a piece of tape at the four corners, and tying the upper set of tapes over the ears, the lower set around the neck. If the folded piece of gauze is about six inches square it will nicely cover both mouth and nose. Stn-h a mask Ciin be worn without discomfort for several hours, after which it can be boiled In water, dried and used over. Observe Cleanliness. "The attendant should, If possible, wear a washable gown or an apron which covers the dress. This will make It much simply to avoid infection. "It is desirable that all attendants learn how to use a fever thermometer. This Is not at all a ditrieult matter, and Ihe use of surh a th'-nnnmetor is a great help In caring for the patients. Tho druggist who sells these thcrmom-'Mers thcrmom-'Mers will he glad to show hnw tiif-y pre u"d. "!- H'-.sin:. ::".d lest I he ;nN-,:nd'-r-:'i r-J 1 v. isli fo lervo or-' v":- nf " a'-.tb n : If ie doubt, call lin- (iix-i' '-' I |