Flu Outbreak Closes Wayne County Schools

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2025 influenza season has surged to unprecedented levels, with flu activity across the United States reaching its highest intensity since the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Flu-related doctor’s visits and hospitalizations have skyrocketed, making this one of the most severe flu seasons in at least 15 years.

Tennessee has some of the highest flu levels in the nation. It's overwhelming emergency rooms, as well as schools. Flu outbreaks among children have forced schools to close in multiple states, including right here in Tennessee. Wayne County Schools were closed on Friday, February 7, and Monday, February 10, in order for schools to undergo a deep cleaning and to allow time for students and staff to recuperate and hopefully stop the spread of the flu.

“We had to close schools because many of our staff were out sick, and we didn’t have enough substitutes to fill in for them,” said Wayne County Director of Schools, Dr. Ricky Inman. “Students’ absences had leveled off, but were still more than twice the average rate.”

Flu is a common and highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause a week's worth of miserable symptoms such as a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches. Influenza viruses transmit easily from person to person through respiratory droplets. After a late start, this flu season is in full force.

The CDC reported that nearly 8% of outpatient health care visits for respiratory illnesses in recent weeks were due to flu-like symptoms. This represents a sharp increase from previous years, with flu activity far surpassing the levels seen during the same period in 2024. The surge has led to a second peak in flu cases, an unusual pattern that has kept medical professionals on high alert.

By some measures, this year’s flu season is the most intense in over a decade. Data shows that more than 30% of flu tests have returned positive, indicating widespread community transmission. This aligns with historical trends seen during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, which similarly overwhelmed hospitals and clinics across the country.

“What worries us the most are bacterial infections that can follow alongside influenza (and) get kids super, super sick. Flu itself and those complications can lead to death in children. Influenza is very scary,” said Dr. Jason Newland, the division chief of infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Interestingly, while flu cases soar, COVID-19 has remained relatively mild this winter. Experts suggest that changes in viral dominance, population immunity, and seasonal factors may have contributed to this shift. This marks a stark contrast to previous winters when COVID-19 dominated hospital admissions and public health efforts.

As flu activity remains high, experts are monitoring trends to determine how long the season’s intensity will persist. The hope is that cases will begin to decline as more people gain immunity through vaccination and prior infection. However, given the unpredictable nature of flu seasons, continued vigilance is essential.

For now, the message is clear: the flu is here in full force, and taking preventive measures—such as getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, and staying home when sick—remains critical in reducing the spread and severity of illness.