Prior to the recognition of the pandemic general medical advice remains a staple component of newspapers. In Brice Belden, MD's column on deafness he asserts that the movies are popular because they require no hearing, and that the lancing of abcesses earlier in the course of scarlet fever and infleuenza would reduce deafness. The weather forecast is for a clear day that will not interrupt the annual Easter parade down Connecticut Avenue in DC.
Source: Belden, Brice, MD, "Warding of Deafess: A Medical Authoirity Give Excellent Advice," Washington Times, Washington, District of Columbia, March 30, 1918. Page 11, Column 8.