An influenza and strep throat outbreak closed all schools in the Walker County school district Friday.

After 1200 students were absent last Thursday, officials made the decision to close the systems 15 schools on Friday.

Floyd County and Rome also reported well above average student absences for this time of year with suspected cases of flu and strep throat.

Northwest Georgia Public Health Spokesman, Logan Boss said the flu season has arrived early this year and that it usually doesn’t peak in Georgia until late January or early February.

Boss advises people to get the flu shot, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth and frequent hand washing in order to avoid germs.