It’s been a year, give or take, since we began hearing of a new flu-like virus causing havoc. Prior to the rise of the Corona Virus, it was the Spanish Flu that ravaged more than 1/3rd of the earth’s population from 1918-1920.

Looking back over this past year, the largest focus has been on flattening the curve. Almost all the major rules instilled were inspired by how they did it during the Spanish Flu. We are fortunate that we have a past pandemic to reflect on and learn from. Those who lived through the pandemic 100 years ago, were not so lucky.

Lesson learnt: Social Distancing

During the Spanish flu, some areas stopped social distancing too soon, which created a rapid second wave and the infections were deadlier than the first according to the epidemiologists. In San Francisco, the cases were down to almost zero and was celebrated with a parade where everyone took off their masks together in celebration. This incident was the pinpointed as the beginning of the second wave.

Lesson learnt: Hand Hygiene is key

Although some doctors started scrubbing up during the 1890’s, it boggles the mind that it only became the norm almost 100 years later. Doctors didn’t sanitize under running water with soap prior to performing operations until the 1980’s. Today, washing your hands numerous times during the day and using 70% alcohol sanitizer is the norm.

Lesson learnt: Wear a mask when out in public

Many have had this debate if it even makes a slight difference. Most countries have had to impose strict regulations to ensure people are abiding by the rules of wearing their mask. The argument is that the more we wear our masks; the less droplets will be suspended in the air we breathe. This in turn will reduce the amount of infections. The other debate is cloth vs surgical masks. Cloth masks need to be made of fabric that is able to trap droplets, but also allow the release of the carbon dioxide to be effective. 

Lesson learnt: Sanitizing your Mask

Sanitizing your mask is very important and possible when you are on the go with the Bellabaci Aromask. This pocket-sized spray contains an effective combination of essential oils and 70% alcohol. The recipe of the essential oils dates back to the Bubonic plague, also referred to as the Black Death, where herbal merchants survived by stuffing their self-made paper masks with these herbs and spices.

Use Aromask by spraying your mask and letting it airdry for a few seconds. The effect of the essential oils also offers great relief for sinus and breathing issues by wearing masks. 

Have you tried Aromask? We would love your feedback!