Two North Alabama school systems are closing as the number of flu cases in both systems increase.

AL.com reports Albertville City Schools will be closed Friday and Monday, while Fayetteville City Schools will close Friday.Albertville officials say 13 percent of the district’s almost 5,700 students were absent Thursday. WHNT-TV reports teachers and custodians will use the student-free days to clean classrooms and other areas.

Fayetteville is reporting higher numbers of flu, as well as a stomach virus.

Other school systems are urging parents to keep kids home if they are ill.

The closures come as much of north and eastern Alabama are reporting what the Department of Public Health classified as “significant” influenza activity.

Flu season generally peaks between December and February, though it can last as late as May.
(Associated Press, copyright 2018)

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