By Oct. 9, 1918, over 1,000 cases of influenza had been reported in Dallas. Later that day, Mayor Lawther, Carnes, the Board of Health, and 50 Dallas physicians met to discuss the ever-growing crisis. Over 330 cases of influenza had been reported that morning.

Every Dallas hospital was overcrowded with influenza cases. At Parkland, recovering patients had to be moved into the hallways to make room for new arrivals.