[B] Blood specimens are also of importance in diagnosis of the disease and determining the course of treatment. [Illustration: _Laboratories are now equipped to make prompt and reliable examinations of sputum specimens._] Hospital and Nursing Care The new drugs which have been found so successful in curing pneumonia occasionally make the patient nauseated and uncomfortable for a time. The curative serums which are used for certain types of pneumonia, also may sometimes produce unpleasant reactions temporarily. With both treatments it is essential that the patient be watched over by alert attendants at all times. Hence many doctors prefer that the pneumonia patient be taken to the hospital as soon as he becomes sick so that he can have the benefit of constant nursing care and so that everything possible may be done to avoid unpleasant reactions or allay the symptoms if they should occur. If the patient must remain at home it is evident that he should have the best possible nursing care. When a full-time nurse is not to be in attendance, then the visiting nurse should be called in promptly. She not only will give the care to the patient that the doctor orders but will instruct the members of the family who must attend to the patient’s needs during her absence. In addition to receiving the treatment already discussed, it is essential that the patient’s position in bed be changed at intervals to relieve congestion and increase comfort. From lying on his back he may be moved to one side or the other, but this, too, must be done for him. So, it is evident that constant care is vitally needed. The doctor’s orders must be followed to the last detail. Nothing is unimportant. The nurse will assist the attendants in following instructions. She will teach them what to observe in the patient’s condition, how to report the progress of the disease to the physician,[C] and will advise the members of the family how to prevent the spread of the patient’s infection to others in the household. [C] The two booklets, “Home Care of Communicable Diseases” and “Caring for the Sick in the Home,” will prove useful as supplements to the nurse’s instruction. They are free for the asking. Preventing Pneumonia In general, it may be said that a good physical condition of the body lessens the chance of an attack of pneumonia. A sensible balance of rest and exercise to prevent undue fatigue, eating nutritious meals, and avoiding over-exposure and chilling, all may help. It is the part of wisdom to stay indoors with a cold, and in bed while there is fever, for your own benefit as well as to prevent giving your infection to others.[D] While suffering from colds, grippe, tonsillitis, and the like, care should be taken to avoid exposure to draughts and rapid chilling of the body when overheated.