20 Iconic British World War II Propaganda Posters

11. "Coughs & Sneezes Spread Diseases" (1942-1945)

An original 1939 Ministry of Information 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster, left, is seen on display at Christie's auction house in London, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The poster is to be auctioned in 'The London Sale' on Sept. 3 as is expected to realise a pr
Wikipedia/NationalArchives

The health of the British public was paramount during World War II, and so from 1942 onwards the government produced a whole host of posters encouraging the nation to look after themselves.

"Coughs & sneezes spread diseases" and "fighting fit" became immortalised phrases during this period - and remain used to this day.

 
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NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.