A school board official says at least 11 schools in the Strait Region have increased absenteeism because of flu-like symptoms.

Board spokesperson Deanna Gillis says 7 schools have reported to public health this week.

Gillis says when 10 percent of a school's student population is out with flu-like symptoms it triggers a letter from the school to the school community.

Based on the number of students out Tuesday, schools in the Antigonish area are among the hardest hit.

Roughly 34 percent of students at HM MacDonald P-to-6 school in Maryvale were out Tuesday.

26 percent of students at the regional in Antigonish missed because of flu-like symptoms.

And 21 percent of students at Antigonish Education Centre were out.