Nearly 40 percent of Hickory Creek students were absent due to sickness Wednesday, prompting the school to make a decision. 

Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows announced that Hickory Creek students would be participating in virtual learning days for the remainder of the week.

“Hickory Creek Elementary School will be participating in Virtual Learning days, meaning they will learn from home Thursday and Friday because of an unprecedented rise in sickness,” said Swallows. 

Hickory Creek is scheduled to return to school on Monday. Swallows encourages students to focus on being healthy during this time. 

“Please, use this time to help your students get healthy and we look forward to seeing everyone back in the building on Monday,” said Swallows. 

Flu cases in Tennessee are on the rise. The CDC map monitoring the spread of influenza shows Tennessee as a state with a high activity level. According to the CDC, the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and its potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. It recommends getting a flu vaccination before the end of October. 

Other preventative actions include: Avoiding close contact with those who are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. 

The CDC recommends people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone in order to prevent spreading the disease.