The use of Lysol in Spanish Influenza post-pandemic times

Abstract

Background: During the post-Spanish Influenza pandemic period (in the 1920s), nursing manuals used in Brazilian nurses’ training recommended Lysol as a hygiene product, a fact that, years later, led to the discussion on its use. Objective: To discuss the content of nursing manuals regarding the recommendation of Lysol in association with the product’s advertisements in a weekly social magazine and characterizing the culture of care at the time. Methodology: Historical research using the microhistory approach. Data were collected from nursing manuals and the Digital Hemeroteca of the National Library, covering the period between 1920 and 1929. The data were analyzed using the microanalysis framework. Results: Lysol was used for washing hands and wounds and advertised using health professionals’ images. Conclusion: This study contributes to building knowledge in different areas by associating the present with the past.