Sickness weakens the body. To gain strength and get well quickly special care is needed.
The care a sick person receives is frequently the most important part of his treatment.
Medicines are often not necessary. But good care is always important. The following are the basis of good care:
A sick person needs love and encouragement. A person who is sick should rest in a quiet, comfortable place with plenty of fresh air and light. You can spoil him a little with a new movie or a story book to keep him active.
A sick person should keep from getting too hot or cold. If the air is cold or the person is chilled, cover him with a sheet or blanket. But if the weather is hot or the person has a fever, do not cover him at all.
In nearly every sickness, especially when there is fever or diarrhea, the sick person should drink plenty of liquids: water, tea, juices, broths, etc.
It is important to keep the sick person clean. He should be bathed every day. If he is too sick to get out of bed, wash him with a sponge or cloth and lukewarm water. His clothes, sheets, and covers must also be kept clean. Take care to keep crumbs and bits of food out of the bed.
If the sick person feels like eating, let him. Most sicknesses do not require special diets.
A sick person should drink plenty of liquids and eat body-building and nourishing foods like milk, cheese, chicken, eggs, meat, fish, beans, green vegetables and fruit.
If the person is very weak, give him these same foods, but make them into soups or juices. Combine frozen vegetables, pasta, and meat or tofu with broth. You can thicken soup with yogurt, dissolved cornstarch, flour, or mashed potatoes.
Energy foods are especially important–for example, porridges of maize, yam, plantain or cassava. Another good energy food for sick people is oatmeal. You can vary how oatmeal tastes by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, banana, or raisins. Adding a little sugar with butter or vegetable oil will increase the energy. Also encourage the sick person to drink plenty of sweet sports drinks, especially if he will not eat much.
A few problems do require special diets.
-------------------------------------- Adapted by medic wiki editors from David Werner: WHERE THERE IS NO DOCTOR © 1973–2004 Hesperian Foundation --------------------------------------