Monday, 885 students from Huntsville Independent School District missed class after having flu-like symptoms. Nearly 60 instructors called in sick due to the illness as well.

"With the total number of kids that we're seeing out plus the total number of faculty that we have out, and we weren't able to fill all the classrooms with substitutes," said H.I.S.D Assistant Superintendent, John DeBrock.

DeBrock said the district was only able to hire 60 percent of the substitutes needed to cover the number of absent instructors Monday. Late Monday, district officials decided to shut down all schools for at least 48 hours. Cleaning crews began early Tuesday, disinfecting all door knobs, desks, tabletops, and handles.

"We felt like the best thing to do, to try to totally contain the disease was go ahead and close for a while. Give the kids time to recover, stay away from each other," said DeBrock.

While cleaning crews were busy disinfecting schools, Huntsville doctor's offices were getting busier.

"I had already planned on it, but since school is out today, I took off today and decided to come get them flu shots," said parent Susan Compton.

Compton brought her three children to the doctor's office to get checked up. She said none of her children were displaying flu-like symptoms, but she didn't want to take any chances.

"I know they're cleaning the schools better than usual so it makes me feel better that they are closing for two days," said Compton.

Huntsville I.S.D is planning to re-open on Thursday, but first will attend a conference call with the Texas Education Agency, and Texas State Health Department. Huntsville I.S.D. will also request an attendance waiver from the Texas Education Agency to cover the two days the district took off. The two-day break won't count against the school's average daily attendance.