Social distancing: Cities like Philadelphia and St. Louis implemented social distancing measures, such as closing schools, churches, theaters, and public gathering spaces, to reduce the spread of the virus.
Quarantines: Cities like St. Louis and San Francisco implemented quarantines, where people were isolated from the public to prevent the spread of the virus.
Masks: Some cities, like St. Louis, recommended the use of masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Gargling and spraying: Some doctors recommended gargling and spraying the nasopharynx with a weak solution of carbolic acid and quinine to prevent infection.
Electrolytic disinfection fluid: Dr. F. W. Alexander recommended using electrolytic disinfection fluid as a mouthwash to be gargled and sniffed up the nose to prevent infection.
Closing public places: Cities like Philadelphia and St. Louis closed public places, such as schools, churches, theaters, and restaurants, to reduce the spread of the virus.
Restrictions on transportation: Some cities restricted transportation, such as banning public gatherings and limiting the use of public transportation.
Vaccination: Although a flu vaccine was not available at the time, some cities implemented vaccination programs using other vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine.
These measures were implemented in different cities and towns, with varying degrees of success. Cities that implemented these measures early on, such as St. Louis, experienced lower death rates compared to cities that implemented them later or not at all.
Sound familiar, including the last paragraph. 🤣
1918 influenza pandemic survivor interview: Mrs. Edna Register Boone
Video at link:
Mrs. Boone, 100 year-old resident of Mobile, tells how her family was the only family in a small rural Alabama area that did not contract the flu during the 1918 flu outbreak. Mrs. Boone's family all became responders in her community. Her parents become instant nurses and she delivered soup to the door of ill families.
It was also noted that patients who were placed outdoors in the sun in the Southwest did noticeably better than ones who stayed indoors. Vitamin D is the virus killer and sunshine is the source.