During the middle ages how did people avoid the black plague?

Question

what are some ways the people of the middle ages (mainly clergy) avoided the black plague?

anyonee?

websites are helpful too.

Answer 1

They didn't know it was carried by rodents. They thought it was contagious from people traveling from port to port or city to city.  Rats were on the ships that  went from port to port carrying the plague.  The folks that retreated to the country side where the infected rats didn't go had the best chance.  But they, ironically were doing it for the wrong reason.

Answer 2

these are the ways that they thought would stop the black plague

the people believed that draining the bad blood and putting spices and herbs near their noses would have helped

and then the christian theory they thought would stop the black plague was driving out the jews, scapegoats, and heretics and whipping themselves showing that they were sorry and showing God that they know they done wrong and are punishing themselves as well

Answer 3

In all honesty not very well. But here's some of the things they tried:

The rich moved to their country residence

Quarantine homes

Burning bodies and bedding

Burning incense and prayer (clergy)

Exorcism (clergy)

Housed victims in sick houses, hospitals, and monasteries (church)

Quick burial (mass graves)

Filter mask - see image http://arts.atenveldt.com/Portals/arts/2...

Overcoats and clothing

Herbs - particularly carrying flowers to the nose

Flagellants -self inflicted punishment to atone for ones sins (lay clergy)

Torturing Jews