https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030193/1918-07-01/ed-1/seq-5/

The influenza outbreak in England is closing factories, schools and churches. The Empress Zita of Austria is also reported as suffering from the strange malady. President Wilson is seeking authority to nationalize the telegraphs and telephones to overcome a strike by the operators.

"Influenza in England," The Evening World, New York, New York, July 1, 1918. Page 5, Column 2.