STAY AT HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4105, 25 February 1949, Page 3

STAY AT HOME

AVOID SPREADING DISEASE . USE YOUR HANDKERCHIEF (By the Department of Health) Most infectious diseases are due to germs that thrive best in the human body. Many of them can exist for a short time in droplets blown into the air or on things used by an infected person—linen, handkerchiefs, eating utensils and so forth. Gloom and darkness, dirt and lack of ventilation, warmth and stuffiness all help the germs to exist outside our bodies. Too much heat—such as boiling or dry heat —will kill germs. Ultraviolet light is also germicidal. So are fresh air and sunlight. So are soap and water. Tiny moist droplets ip the breath of an infected person contain germs of coughs, sore throat, colds, influenza, scarlet fever, measles/ diphtheria or whooping cough. The act of speaking expels them forcibly into the air and a cough or sneeze gives these germs an even wider range. Heavier droplets sink on to articles that may be picked up by anyone, or they might fall to the ground and live in a dry state. In that case, they can be swept up into the air again and breathed. They will stay alive for a while, but ultimately they will die of drying and exposure to Ifcht. Use a handkerchief whenever a sneeze or cough can’t be contained any longer. The handkerchief makes a barrier between yourself and others. A person spitting on the pavement may also spread disease, for droplets are forcibly showered around and many of them dry and later are taken up in air currents before they die. Everyone who refuses to stay at home with a cold or sore throat until he is better is spreading trouble for everyone he meets or travels with. Recovery is quicker at home. Always use a handkerchief when necessary, and stay at home with your unwanted disease.