SANFORD, N.C. (AP) - A private school in central North Carolina has closed for the rest of the week because of an influenza outbreak.
Local news outlets reported that Lee Christian School in Sanford canceled classes for Thursday and Friday because of the large number of students who were sick with the flue.
The school has about 400 students with programs for infants and classes for students through 12th grade.
Officials said about 10 percent of those enrolled were out sick.
The school is hiring a company to clean the building in hopes of helping to prevent the spread of the illness.
North Carolina health officials said there have been 126 flu-related deaths this flu season.
Those especially at risk for flu complications include pregnant women, those older than 65, children younger than 5, and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Doctors are still recommending that people get flu shots, even though it is March.
Other safety tips include washing hands frequently with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and staying home if you are sick until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
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