Middlebsoro Independent School system officials hope that several days with no classes will help to stop the flu from spreading even more among students, teachers and staff.

Schools in the district were closed Thursday and Friday because so many people had the flu, as well as concerns about it spreading to others.

“The illness has affected our students’ attendance as well as our faculty and staff, making it difficult to find substitutes,” Superintendent Waylon Allen said.

Schools also will be closed on Monday in observance of President’s Day.

“Our dedicated staff has worked to disinfect all of our buildings, including classrooms,” Allen said. “We hope all of our students, faculty and staff get well and rested before we return on Tuesday.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, the spread of the flu closed multiple schools in Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi last week as officials struggled to find enough healthy teachers to staff the schools.

A total of 25 states are experiencing high levels of the virus, according to the latest CDC influenza report.