Antitoxin saves lives not only by curing those who have diphtheria, but by preventing others from having it. If a person who has been where there is a case of diphtheria is given a dose of antitoxin, he will not have the disease, because his blood will contain enough antitoxin to destroy the diphtheria toxin present. If you will watch a careful doctor when he makes his first visit to a case of diphtheria, you will notice that, as soon as he gets through treating the patient, he gives all members of the family who have been near the patient a dose of antitoxin to keep them from getting sick.
Antitoxin not a poison
Some people may tell you that antitoxin is a poison and should not be used. The statement that it is in itself a poison is true. But it is also true that in your body there are many things that would poison you if you got too much of them. For instance, there is a gland in your throat (the thyroid) which secretes a substance that is necessary for your health, but if you were to take the secretion of ten such glands it would kill you at once. Now, if the cells in your body make antitoxin when you have diphtheria, it is probable that antitoxin is the very thing needed. And if you can help these cells by giving them antitoxin, ready-made, does it not seem a reasonable thing to do? People who give the name of poison to a substance which is known to have saved many lives are not worthy of attention. Anything may prove a poison if taken in excess; too much play will prove a poison, and too much work also.
Questions. 1. What is the poison of diphtheria called? 2. What is antitoxin? 3. Compare the action of antitoxin on the blood with the action of an acid on the litmus solution. 4. Tell about the discovery of antitoxin. 5. How do we know that antitoxin saves lives? 6. How does antitoxin prevent diphtheria? 7. Why should antitoxin not be regarded as a poison?
Remember. 1. Antitoxin is what the cells in your body make when you have diphtheria. 2. By using the antitoxin taken from a horse, you save your own cells the struggle necessary to make it fast enough to kill the diphtheria germs. 3. If you have diphtheria, and antitoxin is given promptly, you will get well. 4. If you have been exposed to diphtheria, antitoxin will prevent your having the disease. 5. Antitoxin is no more a poison than are many other medicines.
[CHAPTER XXV]
HOW TYPHOID FEVER GERMS ARE CARRIED
How typhoid fever germs get into the system