GASTON COUNTY, N.C. -- More than 300 Gaston County students did not go to school Thursday because of flu-like symptoms.

Forestview High School administrators said dozens of students started showing symptoms Wednesday. County health officials said they believe the students have the H1N1 flu.

On Thursday, 354 students were out. The county health director and the school system were planning to send home a brochure to inform students and teachers about the flu next week, but because of the outbreak they are getting them out as soon as they can.

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• VIDEO: Hundreds Of Students At Gaston Co. School Have Flu-Like Symptoms

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Student Derek Baker said his doctor told him to stay out of school for a week. His parents were given medicine because of their exposure to him.

“(It’s) scary. Very scary,” said Pat Baker, Derek’s mother.

Her son said many students were coughing and sniffling Tuesday, and the next day 40 students went home sick.

Patricia Carter said her daughter called her Thursday to tell her more classmates were checking out with fevers.

“If that spreads, it’s wide open,” she said.

Several other schools also reported students with flu-like symptoms. Gaston County Schools spokeswoman Bonnie Reidy said students with fevers were moved to isolation rooms until they were picked up.

“(Crews) cleaned all the surfaces. They wiped them down with disinfectants,” she said.

County Health Director Coleen Bridger said the flu comes in waves and she’s not sure if the outbreak has peaked. She said H1N1 is no more dangerous than the traditional flu, but will spread even more.

“Because H1N1 is a new strain, people are going to be less likely to fight it off,” Bridger said.