Earlier this week about a third of the students from Arlington were out sick. More came back today but the superintendent thought that had more to do with kids not wanting to miss Valentine's parties than actually feeling better.

Superintendent Chris Lund told KSFY by closing classes Friday and a day off already scheduled for Monday it will give sick students four days to get better. He thought that was what he had to do.

Beginning tomorrow these hallways at Arlington High School will be empty except for the custodians who will be busy disinfecting the school. Lund says, "I think they have some special spray that they're going to use and wipe down especially the doors and the bathrooms and that type of thing."

Students in a journalism class were working on yearbook projects without a few of their classmates today. They were out sick. Dan Crisler is a junior. "I just noticed sore throats and people blowing their noses."

In this district there are 315 students. 46 students were gone Thursday, down from the 70 earlier this week. Parents like Lori Stewart say they're glad to hear classes have been cancelled with this many students sick. "I guess I was surprised to hear how many were out but after that I wasn't surprised to hear they called it off."

At least a few of these illnesses here in Arlington are cases of influenza. Thursday afternoon KSFY spoke with Dr. Lon Kightlinger of the State Health Department. He told us the department has seen a 100 percent increase in the number of influenza cases reported this week.

Even though classes for Friday and Monday are cancelled, activities will go on as planned. But school officials are urging kids who aren't involved or feel sick, to stay home.