The Spanish Flu Comes to McHenry County in 1918-- Part 2: Avoid Those Coughs and Sneezes

To combat this growing threat, the U.S. Public Health Service issued a bulletin in September 1918 outlining precautionary steps and what to do if you or a loved one became infected.

"So far as a disease like influenza is concerned health authorities everywhere recognize the very close relation between its spread and overcrowded homes.  ...The value of fresh air through open windows cannot be overemphasized.

"Where crowding is unavoidable, as in street cars, care should be taken to keep the face turned as not to inhale directly the air breathed out by another person.  It is especially important to  be aware of the person who coughs are sneezes without covering his mouth or nose.

"It also follows that one should keep out of crowds and stuffy places as much as possible, keep homes, offices, and workshops well aired, spend some time out of doors each day, walk to work if at all practicable -- in short make every possible effort to breathe  as much pure air as possible."

Sounds Somewhat Familiar, Doesn't It?  --Cooter