With such atrocious hygiene in the past, how were humans able to stand being around each other?

by blueskies21

Imagine a crowded pub 200 years ago in England or a crowded church 200 years ago in Massachusetts.

How were humans able to stand being around each other when hygiene standards were so low? (most of human history)

riosmundo

at least before the black plague people bathed like crazy. Once the plague hit the idea caught on that taking baths and opening up your body's pores would leave you more susceptible to germs

http://www.vlib.us/medieval/lectures/black_death.html

http://www.gallowglass.org/jadwiga/herbs/baths.html