c. Inspect your feet during rest periods. If possible, wash your feet during the
noon break. Elevate your feet while resting to help reduce congestion and swelling.
d. If blisters develop, wash the blister and the surrounding area with soap and
water. If the blisters are painful or if signs of infection are present (redness, throbbing,
drainage, etc.), seek medical treatment.
9-15. ORAL HYGIENE
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to prevent dental diseases. Good oral
hygiene can be maintained even in the field.
a. Brush your teeth after every meal if possible. Brush your teeth even if you
don't have toothpaste.
b. Use dental floss at least once a day.
c. Rinse your mouth with potable water after brushing and flossing.
9-16. RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Respiratory diseases are usually transmitted from person to person by
discharges from the nose, mouth, throat, or lungs of an infected person. A person who
sneezes or coughs throws many droplets into the air. These droplets carry disease
germs that can be inhaled by another person. Sometimes, disease germs may exist on
the ground until they come into contact with a person's bare skin or until they are stirred
up and become airborne again. Examples of communicable respiratory diseases
include the common cold, influenza (flu), pneumonia, and streptococcal throat infection
(strep). Protective measures against respiratory diseases include the following.
a. Avoid close contact with soldiers who have respiratory diseases whenever
possible.
b. Encourage sick soldiers to go to sick call. Once the soldier is cured, he will
not transmit the disease to you.
c. Avoid using borrowed towels, caps, cigarettes, and other objects that have
been handled by other people.
d. Provide an opening for fresh air into your fighting position, bunker, or shelter.
Fresh air dilutes the contaminated air and carries much of the contamination away.
IS0877
9-25
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