On Tuesday, Dec. 11, Greenvale Park Elementary had three students from a single classroom absent and Northfield Middle School had more than 5-percent absence due to influenza-like illness, according to the school district.

Minnesota schools must report to the Minnesota Department of Health when 5 percent of the total student enrollment in a building or when three or more children from the same elementary classroom are absent or sent home due to “influenza-like illness.”

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that influenza rates were up in Minnesota compared to a year ago and were now categorized as "high." 

Read more about Influenza (Flu) Information for Parents published by the Minnesota Department of Health.

According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase not just in Minnesota but across the country. 

Five states—Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee—are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally peaks in January and February.

Holiday travel and more time spent indoors due to soggy weather will contribute to the spread of the flu virus, so now is the time to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information:

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu
• How flu spreads

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