Cumberland County Schools are not immune from the outbreak of flu and colds this season.  Absentees from sickness, both students and teachers, are running very high throughout the system but especially within two schools (which were unnamed) although reports are that 200 are out at Brown Elementary with illness and 17 members of faculty.  Reportedly, much more than 200 absences in the past few days are attributed to flu or flu-like illnesses. Several school districts in Tennessee have closed classes at times due to the flu outbreak. Attendance level has been dipping far below the normal 94 per cent mark for a normal cold-flu season.  Cumberland County Schools are ‘holding’ their own thus far and, with the exception of the two unnamed schools, have not reach critical absentee level.  Above all, teachers are directed to use every pre-caution with the kids to help keep any flu germs from spreading…washing hands frequently, mouth-covering when coughing, don’t touch eyes with hands etc.