By: Becky Little
Photos: Innovative Ways People Tried to Protect Themselves From the Flu
During the first half of the 20th century, people used a variety of measures—including gargles, masks and signs—to try and avoid catching the flu.
The worst influenza pandemic in history was the Spanish flu of 1918-1919. It infected an estimated 500 million people (about one-third of the world’s population) and killed an estimated 50 million—more than the death toll for World War I. Even today, the seasonal flu outbreaks remain deadly. Between 291,000 and 646,000 people worldwide die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During the first half of the 20th century, people used a variety of measures to try and protect themselves from the flu. One of these was camphor extracted from Cinnamomum camphora, or camphor trees. People might wear a bag of camphor around their necks to ward off the virus, while nurses and doctors might inject it into an infected patient’s arms and legs with a hypodermic needle. Today, camphor is one of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub—though the Food and Drug Administration regulates it in smaller and safer amounts.
The Spanish Flu Was Deadlier Than World War I
In 1918 the Spanish Flu killed at least 50 million people around the world and was the second deadliest plague in history–after, well, the plague in the 1300s. But how exactly did a flu virus cause such massive death and destruction across the world?
Other early flu precautions involved gargling saltwater, wearing masks, eating oranges and—at least for one set of parents—warning people not to kiss their baby. These remain good ideas, but even for those who already practice healthy flu season habits, the CDC emphasizes that getting an annual vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent the flu.
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About the author
Becky Little is a journalist based in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Bluesky.
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Citation Information
- Article Title
- Photos: Innovative Ways People Tried to Protect Themselves From the Flu
- Author
- Becky Little
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 29, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- May 28, 2025
- Original Published Date
- February 04, 2020
