A flu virus that has been blamed for two children’s deaths across Mississippi has increased numbers of people hospitalized at River Region Medical Center and students absent from local schools.

“We’re seeing a lot of respiratory symptoms; we are seeing a lot of children with a high fever, some up to 103 (degrees),” said Cyndee Nash, a nurse for the Vicksburg Warren School District. “There’s also a stomach bug going around.”

The Mississippi State Department of Health reported Monday that two children died from the flu, one in Madison County and one in DeSoto. The department also said influenza cases are on the rise across the state.

Vicksburg Warren Superintendent Dr. James Price said 1,313 students in the 9,000-student district were absent Monday. “In every elementary school, they’re experiencing absences because of flu-like symptoms,” he said.

Nash said Redwood and Beechwood have been the hardest hit of the district’s nine elementaries.

At St. Francis Xavier, the elementary arm of Vicksburg Catholic School, Principal Jennifer Henry said 34 of the school’s 332 students had been absent Monday and 32 today due to illness. That number is unusual, she said.

“It’s obviously the season for colds, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia,” said Diane Gawronski, director of public affairs for River Region.

The hospital’s in-patient occupancy rate has been “very, very high,” Gawronski said, adding that such rises are seen as an annual symptom of mid-winter. River Region has 372 beds.

At high risk for serious flu symptoms are children ages 6 months to 6 years and adults older than 65, as well as those living with chronic illness, the state health department said.

The school district offers flu shots to all staff members, Nash said.

Good habits to prevent the spread of germs are being taught to the children.

“We are trying to teach them good hand-washing and how to sneeze in your elbow instead of your hand,” Nash said.