FLU FACTS
HOW IT SPREADS: Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose. CONTAGIOUSNESS: You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. You can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time. ONSET: The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days. PREVENTION: The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations. Also, everyday preventive actions, like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent hand washing, help slow the spread of germs. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Nurse B.K. Morris gives a flu shot to Winifred Quinn during a press event on the flu vaccine on Sept. 17 in Washington, D.C.Faced with widespread absenteeism among students, teachers and support staff, multiple tri-state area school systems have shut their doors for several days, citing a surge in flu-like illnesses.
Reports of flu appeared to be peaking in late January and early February, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And a map from the CDC shows Tennessee has been one of the states hit hardest.
As a result, Bradley, Marion and Monroe county schools will be closed the rest of the week; Monroe also was closed Friday and Monday. Polk County schools will be closed today after being closed Tuesday; and Rhea County schools were closed Monday and Tuesday. Cleveland schools will close the remainder of the week.
Polk County officials said they were forced to close because of the number of students, teachers and school bus drivers who were ill.