MADISON, Wis. -- As concern over H1N1 flu virus outbreaks continue, sick University of Wisconsin students, faculty and staff will not need to show a doctor's note when absent during this school year.

In response to federal guidance, the UW Board of Regents has suspended a rule that requires employees who claim more than five days of sick leave, to have a doctor's note.

Health officials said that removing the requirement will encourage sick people to stay home and will ease the burden on overwhelmed doctors.

So far this school year, dozens of UW-Madison students have tested positive for H1N1.