Spanish Influenza, Feb. 20, 1919

Sheridan Media reporter Pat Blair looks back in time, over 100 years ago, to the impact of Spanish influenza as reported in the pages of the Sheridan Enterprise in 1919.

Dr. C. Y. Beard, secretary of the state board of health, in a bulletin received today, Feb. 20, in Sheridan, said the consensus of those in the health field is that gargles and sprays are of little or no value in treatment of Spanish influenza. He said the infection is evidently spread by minute droplets from the nose and throat of those suffering from the disease. Likewise, he said, face masks also are of no use unless they also protect the eyes from being sprayed.

Dr. Beard states that avoidance of crowds, especially where ventilation is poor, is the most important point in preventing this disease. He said people should remain in the fresh air and sunshine as much of the day as possible.