This 1960 ad showing a classroom with empty seats and a lad blowing his nose, reminds us that the 2020’s does not have the market on germ-worry. Whether you are a mask, no-mask, vaccine, no-vaccine, or just someone who wants to move on from the COVID hysteria, just remember that germ-spread is a reality, and there’s little we can do to stop it.
How did they deal with virus prevention in the mid-century? They followed the science. According to their scientists, Listerine has the ability to prevent colds.
Those who gargled twice daily with Listerine had fewer, milder, shorter colds than those who did not.
and . . .
Kills mouth bacteria modern “wonder” drugs can’t stop!
But as we have learned, “the science” is not always right. This is especially true when you follow the money. Could it be that the Listerine scientists had an agenda to sell Listerine? As the mid-century progressed into the seventies, Listerine was forced to stop their claims that their product helped to prevent colds.
Even in modern times, Listerine was in the hot seat as COVID hysteria produced rumors that gargling or swallowing Listerine could stop COVID 19. They published a page on their website to tell folks that Listerine was for bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis and not a cure for COVID, colds, or sore throats and to please only use Listerine as directed.
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is clinically proven to kill 99.9 % of germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.
Here’s a similar Listerine ad from 1958.
And this one from 1959 showing children enjoying a Saturday matinee in a movie theater.
More Information
COVID and Listerine
Mid-Century Page 
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