Strains of seasonal influenza pop up nearly every year, leaving many Americans stuck at home in bed. However, this year all U.S. states but Hawaii and Oregon have reported widespread flu activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Feb. 9 report from the CDC indicates that there have been more people hospitalized for influenza-related symptoms this year than in the last five years. Many teachers have noticed that these symptoms have affected their students over the past month.

“I worry about the number of absences we have due to the flu,” English teacher Melissa Wilcox said. “The combination of the flu on top of other things like strep and other ailments has led to many girls missing my classes.”

This particular strain of flu has affected people across all 50 states. It is highly contagious and is transferred via the air.

“I was tested this week but the tests seem so inconclusive,” senior Loulya Alabed said. “I either have the stomach bug or strep.”

Senior students are only allowed five days of absences before they are permitted to waive any final exams. This policy has led some ill students to continue to come to class.

“I would encourage my students to form ethical arguments towards administration about the absence policy,” Environmental Science teacher Amy Vandenbrul said. “My students are mature enough to make their own decision if they are healthy enough to be here or not.”

Students seeking doctors visits or sick days have been calling in more frequently in the last two weeks, correlating with the national outbreak of seasonal flu.

“As far as people calling in sick, we have about five to ten a day calling in saying that they aren’t feeling well,” Office Manager Mary Sellmeyer said. “There have been ten people in the last two weeks who have missed school for actual influenza.”