MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Carmel Christian School in Matthews made the decision to cancel classes and all events for Thursday and Friday to allow kids to recover from the flu.

An email from Head of School Mike Long says the other day some 140 students stayed home sick with another handful who left during the school day with flu-like symptoms.

The school will reopen on Tuesday because of the MLK holiday on Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control says people with the flu are usually most contagious in the first three to four days, but young children and people with weakened immune systems can infect others over a longer period of time.

As of now, 20 people have died from the illness since October according to the State Division of Public Health.

Officials recommend washing hands frequently, getting the flu vaccine and avoiding others with flu-like symptoms.