MAURY COUNTY, TN- Its only August, but one Middle Tennessee school system is already fighting the flu.

Hundreds of students in Maury County may be infected with the H1N1 virus.

Nearly 1,000 students were absent from classes on Thursday, and the Director of Schools sees no end in sight.

Maury Countys Middle Schools are the hardest hit, and local doctors offices cant keep up with the calls.

Shatara Cooper says she has never felt like this.

"I had a fever and my stomach was hurting," says 8th grader Shatara Cooper.

The 13 year old 8th grader has been home from school all week.

The doctor diagnosed here with so-called swine flu.

"Most of my friends, they got it. They're sick too. They're at home," says Shatara Cooper.

Half the football team at Shataras school, Whittorne Middle, has also been bit by the bug.

It even forced the cancellation of a game.

"This could go on for several months. It could jump from one school to the other," says Eddie Hickman.

Maury Countys Director of Schools has been reviewing the attendance numbers.

About 8% of the districts students are staying home to get well.

That is nearly double the normal amount of kids out of class.

Cox Middle School has been hit the hardest.

Earlier this week about one-fourth of the students were absent.

Some have raised questions about when and if it is necessary to cancel classes.

It is a decision Eddie Hickman now wrestles with.

"Until we get about 12-15% then my concern will be whether or not to close schools," says Eddie Hickman.

The flu outbreak shows no signs of weakening.

Local pediatricians say August used to be a quiet month.

"Very busy, busier than what we're used to at this time of the year," says Dr. Carol Broadway.

The Columbia Pediatric Clinic has seen more than 80 suspected swine flu cases in the past two weeks.

Thursday afternoon, all appointments were taken.

"It appears to be the H1N1 virus is what we're seeing so," says Dr. Carol Broadway.

Shatara Cooper says thanks to Tamiflu and a lot of rest, she is finally starting to feel better.

She hopes to return to school on Friday.

Meanwhile Maury Countys Director of Schools hopes for a vaccine soon.

I wished it was ready now. The sooner the better, says Eddie Hickman.

The Director of School says once a vaccine becomes available, he will encourage every Maury student to get the shot.

In the meantime, he is hoping students will get the normal seasonal flu vaccine.Maury County, TN H1N1 Flu-John Dunn