"First of all," Gu Youyou began, "separate the soldiers who are ill from those who are not. This is basic common sense, and I believe the Marquess has already done so."
Marquess Yue nodded in agreement.
Gu Youyou’s gaze swept across the dozens of doctors in the hall before she continued, "Most of you have probably never seen typhoid, only heard of its severity, so let me first tell you what typhoid is."
The doctors looked at each other with complex expressions.
Hearing her say this, they wondered, could it be that she had actually seen typhoid? If that were the case, then her words might carry some truth.
"Please proceed, Doctor Gu," they urged.
Gu Youyou nodded and said, "The symptoms of typhoid fever are divided into four stages, with the onset being mostly gradual. The initial symptom is fever, which intensifies over time. Please ask Marquess Yue to issue an order that any soldier who starts to develop a fever should immediately report and voluntarily seek treatment from a doctor. If diagnosed with typhoid, they should be placed in the patient area."
Marquess Yue nodded and said, "The initial symptom is indeed fever."
Since Gu Youyou had accurately described it, he trusted her a bit more.
"The first stage lasts about five to seven days. In the second stage, the patient will continue to have a high fever, a noticeable lack of appetite, a thick and greasy tongue coating, and abdominal discomfort. It is marked by slow and heavy pulse rates. In terms of mental state..."
She tapped her head, addressing the other doctors, "The patient will experience lethargy and confusion... and light red rashes may appear on the skin of the chest and abdomen. This stage is the most dangerous, and such severely ill patients must be isolated and under a doctor’s supervision at all times, around the clock."
The others exchanged glances, sweating profusely just from listening.
They all thought to themselves how formidable this epidemic must be.
"If the patient makes it through the second stage, they will enter the third stage. In this stage, the fever gradually subsides, and symptoms begin to lessen. However, be aware that some patients may experience intestinal bleeding."
Someone scoffed, noting how easy she made it sound, but wondering how many could actually survive the second stage.
"The fourth stage is the recovery period. The patient’s temperature returns to normal, and the discomfort fades away. However, they are not yet cured and must continue to be separated from those who are not infected for another month."
The crowd was silent, finding it astonishing that even after recovery, one must wait an entire month to be considered cured.
Gu Youyou spoke calmly, "What I’ve described is the normal course of treatment for those who are cured. If not treated, or treated improperly, the patient could die during the second stage."
She ignored the complex looks from everyone and pulled out a large stack of papers, handing them directly to Young Master Yue Rujing, saying, "I have written down the prescriptions for each stage. Please, Young Master, have someone make several copies, so that each doctor has one to follow. However, treatment cannot be standardized for all, as each patient’s condition differs. If you encounter any special cases, the doctors should adjust accordingly. If in doubt, please call for me."
She had already written prescriptions?
The room erupted in surprise, their eyes wide with shock.
Only Yue Rujing, who had been startled by Gu Youyou on several occasions, remained somewhat composed as he took the prescriptions from her.
No sooner had he received them than Gu Youyou took out another.
She said, "This list includes the necessary supplies, as well as how to achieve prevention and disinfection."
After speaking, she produced several face masks, something Yue Rujing recognized.
She continued, "Everyone who comes into contact with the patients must wear one of these masks. If possible, please have every soldier in the army wear one, Marquess Yue. Those who have never worn one might find it uncomfortable at first, but your life is at stake. It can help reduce the chances of infection."