As the flu continues to spread at alarming rates, dozens of schools across four states have announced closures for Friday. These measures aim to provide communities with time to rest, recover, and mitigate the virus’s spread.
The decision to close schools underscores the severity of this year’s influenza season, which has overwhelmed students, teachers, and staff alike.
Why School Closures Matter
Schools are often seen as barometers for the severity of flu seasons. According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, school closures are a clear indicator that the current flu season is particularly severe.
“It always surprises us when schools start to close because that’s really a good indicator that you’re in the midst of a pretty severe influenza season,” he told Newsweek .
The flu’s impact extends beyond individual illnesses; it disrupts staffing levels, hampers classroom operations, and necessitates deep cleaning efforts. Many schools struggling with excessive absences have opted for temporary closures or shifted to virtual learning to manage the crisis.
What You Need to Know About the Current Flu Season
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a concerning picture. As of January 25, 2025, there were 38,255 flu-related hospitalizations in a single week. Since October, preliminary estimates indicate between 20 million and 35 million flu cases nationwide, resulting in approximately 11,000 to 53,000 deaths.
The CDC reports that only a few states are experiencing low flu activity, while others face significant outbreaks. Tennessee, for example, is among the states reporting “very high” influenza activity, with a 9% increase in outpatient visits due to flu-like symptoms.
School Closures by State
Louisiana
- Evangel Christian Academy : Closed on Thursday and Friday due to widespread illnesses affecting both faculty and students.
Missouri
- Saint Brendan Catholic School of Mexico : Temporarily closed to address rising sickness rates within its community.
Texas
- Neches Independent School District (ISD) : Superintendent Cory Hines announced a two-day closure, citing record-low attendance and an overwhelming number of absences. “We have made the decision to close NISD for the next two days (Feb 6 and Feb 7), to allow our families time to get healthy and our staff to thoroughly clean our facilities,” Hines stated.
Tennessee
Tennessee has emerged as one of the hardest-hit states, with several districts announcing closures:
- Blount County Schools
- Claiborne County Schools
- Dickson County Schools
- Hamblen County Schools
- Heritage Christian Academy
- Knoxville Catholic High School
- Lincoln County Schools
- Lebanon Special School District (Closed for three days starting February 5)
- Sacred Heart Cathedral School
- St. Mary’s School in Oak Ridge
- Union County Schools
Dr. Schaffner noted that Tennessee’s flu cases are predominantly strains of Influenza A, including H1N1 and H3N2, with minimal presence of Influenza B.
Statements from Affected Schools
Many schools cited unsustainable staffing shortages and rampant student absences as primary reasons for closures:
- Evangel Christian Academy posted on Facebook: “We have been hit hard with the flu bug, stomach bug, and other ‘bugs’ on this campus. It has impacted our faculty and staff badly… Therefore, we will be closing our campus Thursday, February 6, and Friday, February 7.”
- Giles County Schools announced on their website: “Due to extensive sickness among our students and staff, Giles County Schools will be closed on Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th.”
- Lebanon Special School District explained: “At this time, absences are impacting our ability to maintain normal school operations… In an effort to break the cycle of illness and prevent further spread, we will close for three days beginning tomorrow, February 5.”
Why Children Are Particularly Vulnerable
Dr. Schaffner emphasized that children play a pivotal role in spreading the flu. Unlike adults, children shed more virus particles over longer periods, making them effective “distributors” of the illness. Their developing immune systems also make them more susceptible to infection.
This dynamic creates a perfect storm during flu season, leading to widespread outbreaks in schools and forcing administrators to take drastic measures like closures.
What Happens Next?
Typically, peak flu activity occurs between December and February. However, the current surge suggests that the season may extend beyond these months. With many schools planning extended breaks for thorough cleaning and recovery, communities must remain vigilant about hygiene practices, vaccinations, and staying home when sick.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely, urging individuals to prioritize flu shots and preventive care. As Dr. Schaffner reiterated, “Flu cases are still going up,” highlighting the importance of collective action to curb the outbreak.
Moving Forward
The unprecedented wave of school closures serves as a stark reminder of the flu’s far-reaching consequences. From disrupted education to strained healthcare systems, the ripple effects of this outbreak demand immediate attention. By addressing staffing challenges, enhancing sanitation protocols, and promoting public health awareness, schools and communities can work together to navigate this challenging flu season.
Reference: Newsweek
