Two Northern Michigan schools will be closed for the next two days.

Both are closing because they've had a lot of kids out sick, likely because of the flu.

The East Jordan Public School District will be closed tomorrow and Wednesday.

Evart Public Schools will also be closed for the next two days.

Both districts plan to re-open on Thursday.

Local health departments monitor absences at schools, and are helping districts decide when to close.

They say waves of illness are not unusual, and it is no reason to panic.

Since the H1N1 vaccine is not yet widely available, doctors say washing your hands often and staying home if you feel sick are still the best ways to stop the spread.

Erika Waddell and photojournalist Justin DePrekel have the story.