America during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic

During the 1918-1919 epidemic, several preventative methods were used to halt the spread of influenza. Public health strategies included physical measures, such as isolating infected individuals and closing down or restricting access to public places like cinemas, schools, churches, and courthouses. Local officials placed entire towns under quarantine to discourage the spread of influenza. Public health education campaigns discouraged coughing, spitting, and sneezing, and encouraged people to wear flu masks that covered the nose and mouth. People were also told to avoid public gatherings and crowds of all sorts. Although doctors and members of the public could not agree on the precise cause of the flu, it was widely understood that when large groups gathered, it spread like wildfire.

Numerous other methods were employed to try to ward off the flu. Homeopathic measures ranged from rubbing raw onions on the chest, to applying camphor to the nose and mouth, to practicing nose breathing to stop bacteria from entering orally. Applying throat spray was also thought to inhibit the virus. People were given newly developed vaccines, including the popular "Rosenow Vaccine" that contained inactivated pneumococcal, streptococcal, and staphylococcal bacteria.  Cities inoculated residents for free or for a low cost.  Sadly, later studies concluded that this vaccine was completely ineffective.