At least 97 children have died, and schools in at least 23 states have closed for a day or longer, due to flu-related symptoms since October 1, according to federal officials.

The center has described the outbreak as “moderately severe,” on par with 2013–14, which was particularly nasty. The flu is currently widespread in most of the country and could last until May.

To help separate fact from fiction, The 74 recently spoke with William Schaffner, a doctor and infectious-diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to learn more about how the virus affects children, teachers, and classrooms.

  1. “Deep cleaning” makes people more comfortable, but it doesn’t really prevent the spread of influenza.
  2. Kids really do spread more germs than adults.
  3. The vaccine is fundamental to minimizing flu outbreaks.

Read the full article about debunking myths about influenza by Laura Fay at The 74.