Pertussis

(per-tus’-sis). Whooping-cough; a contagious spasmodic cough, common in childhood. The cough ends with a whoop and sometimes causes an attack of vomiting. The disease runs its course in five to six weeks’ time. All handkerchiefs and soiled linen used by the patient must be well disinfected. Simple nourishing diet. Keep patient quiet and free from draughts. Change of air as soon as po ible, and tonics are generally ordered when the patient is convalescing. — s. 119 —