More than a century ago, epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Tuttle prescribed face masks and social distancing to slow the influenza pandemic. He made a lot of enemies—but it worked by TheAlexKnapp
January 1919, Washington’s health commissioner urged legislators in the state capital, Olympia, to enforce strict measures against the spread of the Spanish flu, which had just ended a deadly second wave in America. Recommended restrictions included banning dances and other social gatherings, as well as limits on how many people could attend public meetings and how far apart they should sit from one another. Both the city and county voted against those measures.
During that first year of medical school, he unwittingly found himself in one of the deadliest flu pandemics, In 1915, with smallpox under control in America, Dr. Tuttle accepted a new position as health commissioner of Washington. Three years later, in July 1918, the Spanish flu reached the state. The first set of infections hit the Army’s Camp Lewis, where more than 300 cases were reported. As summer went on, the number of cases appeared to decline and the “alarm went down,” says historian Gwen Whiting.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tuttle took to the newspapers to spread health advice— sending letters to the press statewide, proclaiming that the flu might be prevented from becoming epidemic with “the earnest, conscientious and intelligent help of every citizen of the State” following a now-familiar set of precautions: Don’t sneeze or cough in your hands, keep away from crowds, and stay at home if you have any symptoms. To warn Kansans of the perils of another Spanish flu wave, Dr.
Such a resolute attitude likely cut short his position as health commissioner in Washington. The restrictions Dr. Tuttle was trying to enforce were “pretty controversial ideas at the time,” says Whiting, “so he made a lot of enemies.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As Dr. Anthony Fauci, Brad Pitt diagnoses Trump on 'Saturday Night Live''Miracles shouldn't be plan A.' Brad Pitt's Anthony Fauci says of President Trump's coronavirus response.
Read more »
Brad Pitt Hilariously PLAYS Dr. Anthony Fauci on SNLIt was brilliant ... Dr. Anthony Fauci said if someone ended up playing him on 'SNL' he'd be happy if it was Brad Pitt -- last night the good doc got his wish!!!
Read more »
‘SNL At Home’: See Brad Pitt Play Dr. Fauci, From His HomeThe show’s second remotely-produced episode featured cameos from the likes of Charles Barkley and DJ Khalid.
Read more »
‘SNL At Home’: See Brad Pitt Play Dr. Fauci, From His HomeBrad Pitt donned a silver wig and glasses to play Dr. Anthony Fauci in the cold open of Saturday Night Live’s second remotely-produced episode
Read more »
Dr. Fauci gets his wish as Brad Pitt plays him in 'SNL' cold openBrad Pitt played Dr. Anthony Fauci in 'Saturday Night Live' episode with musical guest Miley Cyrus and cameos from Adam Sandler and Paul Rudd.
Read more »