(1) Take sufficient sleep and rest; never in the patient's room. It is when the muscles are relaxed, as they are when resting, that the greatest danger of infection comes.

(2) A daily walk in the fresh air is necessary.

(3) A daily bath; change of all clothing at least three times a week. The clothing must be disinfected.

(4) When working over the patient never stoop so that you inhale her breath. Never kiss your patient.

(5) Never put your hands to your face, especially your mouth or eyes, without first disinfecting them.

(6) Disinfect your hands frequently in bichloride of mercury, 1-1000. Keep the nails short and scrupulously clean. When washing the hands wash the soap off before putting them into bichloride, or they will soon become sore.

(7) Before meals wash and disinfect your hands well, rinse your mouth with boric acid solution or listerine. Never eat in the patient's room.

(8) When irrigating a diphtheria patient's throat tie a handkerchief over your mouth, and wear glasses to protect the eyes.

The nursing in infectious and contagious diseases is the same as in all other cases of fever. While the temperature is high the patient should be kept in the recumbent position to avoid strain upon the heart.

Personal Disinfection

In typhoid this position is particularly necessary, as hemorrhage from the intestines is liable to occur if it is not strictly adhered to.

Nourishment and medication must be given exactly as ordered. When the doctor orders fluids give nothing solid; many a life, especially after typhoid, has been lost by so doing.

Except when the patient is nauseated, unless contrary to orders, give plenty of water, every two hours at least. See that the patient drinks it slowly.

Remember the rules already given about the care of the mouth, especially with typhoid patients. Vaseline applied to parched lips gives relief.

In measles and scarlet fever the eyes are apt to be affected, so the room should be kept darker than in other cases, and the eyes should be washed with boric acid, always bathing from the inner angle outward.

In all diseases where the skin is not working properly, as in measles, scarlet and other eruptive fevers, be especially observant of the urine as various kidney complications are liable to ensue.

There is little danger of the patient catching cold while the temperature is high, but when it begins to lower be doubly careful.