With 100 students and teachers sick, a Durham high school closes due to illness

Research Triangle High School in Durham closed due to illness, according to their school calendar and social media accounts.

School officials said the school administrators noticed absences rising this week, with some students leaving early and some not attending at all. Several teachers were also out sick.

In all, 100 people were out sick -- roughly 20% of this charter school.

Officials said there were a few confirmed cases of the flu; however, they didn't know if all 100 absent students and teachers had the same illness.

The school's Instagram reminded students to 'sanitize all the things' and stay home until they feel better.

The school also tweeted a video explaining why students should stay home when sick with the flu.

Officials said they hope students and teachers will use the rest of the week to rest and heal. The next two days will be 'digital learning days' where students can study online.

According to health officials the flu is widespread in North Carolina.

To date, NC has linked 41 deaths to the flu.