Students and teachers in the Marshall County School District in north Alabama will switch to virtual learning from Nov. 7 to Nov. 10 due to an increase in flu cases.

District officials announced the switch Friday with a tweet and a statement on the district website. Schools across the state will be closed for Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Flu has been widespread in all parts of Alabama for the last three weeks, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Alabama as one of several Southern states experiencing very high levels of influenza.

Health officials have urged residents to get flu shots to protect against severe disease. They have also said people should stay home if they have fever or symptoms of respiratory virus.

Frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes can help control the spread of flu, according to the CDC. The agency also recommends that people avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth and disinfect surfaces regularly.

The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses statewide has jumped from less than 4 percent in early October to 10 percent last week. More than 100 flu outbreaks were reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health during the last week of October.