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Turns Out, Dr. Fauci And The 20th Century Epidemiologist Thomas Tuttle Shared Similar Advice For Ending Pandemics
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Turns Out, Dr. Fauci And The 20th Century Epidemiologist Thomas Tuttle Shared Similar Advice For Ending Pandemics

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Meet Dr Thomas Dyer Tuttle, Washington’s Health Commissioner during the Spanish Flu That Took Place In 1918. Apparently, people have been finding close similarities between the way he and his colleague from the 21st century, Dr Anthony Fauci, have been fighting pandemics. Let’s take a closer look at it.

In 1918, epidemiologist Dr Thomas Tuttle advised face masks and social distancing to slow the Spanish flu pandemic. Even though this strategy really did work, the doctor faced pushback and was later fired from his job.

These two have shared not only similar advice for ending pandemics, but looks as well!

Image credits: Montana Historical Society

Moreover, both Dr Tuttle and Dr Fauci fought global pandemics late in their health careers, both men attended Ivy League medical schools and both were commissioned officers in the United States Public Health Service.

Most importantly, both of these doctors have shared similar advice for ending pandemics: social distancing, masks and quarantine among them.

In 1915, Dr Tuttle accepted a new position as Washington’s Health Commissioner

Image credits: Washington State Historical Society, Gregg Courtwright Collection

A few years later, in July 1918, the Spanish flu reached the Washington state

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In the beginning, 300 cases were reported but after that, the number started to slowly decline. It seemed as if the flu was retreating.

In September, the numbers started rising once again.

On October 5, 1918, Mayor Hanson took the advice from Dr Tuttle and closed the churches and other public places as well as introducing mandatory masks

Image credits: 1918 Influenza Epidemic Site

After that, Dr Tuttle took it into his own hands to start spreading advice for fighting the pandemic by sending letters to various newspapers

Those letters suggested, that this flu could be prevented from becoming epidemic with “the earnest, conscientious and intelligent help of every citizen of the State.” Like Fauci, the doctor advised people to stay away from public gatherings, to stay at home if any kind of symptoms become apparent and to wear masks in public places.

“All public gatherings except those absolutely essential to the maintenance of life and to the prosecution of essential war industries were prohibited,” Tuttle wrote.

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His strategy for Washington’s state seemed to be working

Image credits: University of Calgary Press

With this early intervention, the death rate from the flu was slowly declining. The doctor wrote that the death rate from influenza in the state was “as low as any state in the US, if not lower than any other state.”

Image credits: Emergency hospital during influenza epidemic (NCP 1603), National Museum of Health and Medicine

Later, in the fall of 1918, the restrictions were lifted because a lot of citizens stopped following them

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Image credits: Washington State Historical Society, Gregg Courtwright Collection

Besides, the US Public Health Service wasn’t recommending quarantine against influenza.

Within a few weeks, infection rates started rising again

Image credits: Harris & Ewing via Library of Congress

Dr Tuttle Began talking about the restrictions once again, this time promoting them more “aggressively”

Image credits: archives

While the numbers wear gradually rising, the doctor became more and more frustrated about the whole situation. But, basically, this time no one was listening to him. The doctor was described as belonging “to that old-fashioned school of citizens who believe laws and regulations were made to be enforced.”

Soon enough, Dr Tuttle was fired from his position as health commissioner in Washington

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Nearly 80 years after Dr Tuttle’s death, his legacy in fighting health crisis lives on

Here’s what people thought about this

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Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

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I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

Julija Svidraitė

Julija Svidraitė

Writer, Community member

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Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

Read less »

Julija Svidraitė

Julija Svidraitė

Writer, Community member

Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

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Doris Bennett
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

History is repeating itself. When will we learn from our past mistakes? Different virus, same results ... death! Everyone thinks they won't catch it, so they refuse to listen to the doctors. No one is immune to COVID19 ...wear a mask or stay home!!!!

BusLady
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And those who do get sick are suffering. If they survive they may have long lasting or permanent health problems. Imagine laying in a hospital bed, not knowing if you will live, not being allowed to see your loved ones. And wondering who you may have infected. These people who think this is a joke, need to have some sense slapped into them.

Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The way to stop an outbreak is to change HUMAN BEHAVIOR. The end. Not forever. Just for a while. Works. Natch. THis isn't difficult. *sigh*

Lola
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, the humans you are referring to, cannot change. Their ignorance is engraved very, very deep.

Load More Replies...
Raine Soo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We should have heeded Dr Tuttle's warnings a hundred years ago. We should definitely take Dr Fauci's advice today. Wearing a mask and keeping a minimum safe distance are small inconveniences to pay to save your life, my life, and countless others. To not do so is irresponsible, selfish, and stupid.

Load More Comments
Doris Bennett
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

History is repeating itself. When will we learn from our past mistakes? Different virus, same results ... death! Everyone thinks they won't catch it, so they refuse to listen to the doctors. No one is immune to COVID19 ...wear a mask or stay home!!!!

BusLady
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And those who do get sick are suffering. If they survive they may have long lasting or permanent health problems. Imagine laying in a hospital bed, not knowing if you will live, not being allowed to see your loved ones. And wondering who you may have infected. These people who think this is a joke, need to have some sense slapped into them.

Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The way to stop an outbreak is to change HUMAN BEHAVIOR. The end. Not forever. Just for a while. Works. Natch. THis isn't difficult. *sigh*

Lola
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, the humans you are referring to, cannot change. Their ignorance is engraved very, very deep.

Load More Replies...
Raine Soo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We should have heeded Dr Tuttle's warnings a hundred years ago. We should definitely take Dr Fauci's advice today. Wearing a mask and keeping a minimum safe distance are small inconveniences to pay to save your life, my life, and countless others. To not do so is irresponsible, selfish, and stupid.

Load More Comments
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