INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — At least 50 students at Butler University have fallen ill with the flu this season.
WISH-TV reports that number is double the number of students who complained of flu-like symptoms last year. More students are seeking flu shots and the Indianapolis school's health clinic is distributing kits with hand sanitizer, thermometers, cough drops, pain relievers and masks.
To monitor the spread of flu in K-12 classrooms, Indianapolis health officials are asking Marion County schools for daily absentee rates. Marion County Public Health Department Director Virginia Caine says if the rates of absent students are high enough, schools might close.
Health officials also continue to encourage vaccination to prevent the spread of flu.
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