Franklin County coping with the flu

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - They have fewer kids in classrooms as the flu takes a toll in Franklin County.

22NEWS looked in to how schools up north are dealing with escalating absences.

Many schools here in Franklin County are reporting around 10 percent of their population is out sick while some are higher.

Mohawk Trail regional high school had a quarter or more of their students out this week.

Yesterday 225 of about 600 students were out sick; they say it is better today.

School officials are not saying if its swine flu, or the flu at all.

Most people aren't even getting tested.

They only have one case of confirmed H-1-N-1 in the whole district.

Superintendent Michael Buoniconti says they're not closing school though.

They're hoping a three day weekend in part, will help put a stop the cycle of illness.