Chennai: The number of people affected by seasonal flu in Tamil Nadu has crossed 16 lakh since July, with health officials cautioning that school-going children are the worst hit and urging parents to ensure they wear face masks.

Public health authorities said flu cases, which began rising in the second week of July, continue to climb steadily across the state. While the current wave is largely of the influenza type, other viral flu cases with similar symptoms are also being reported.

“Although 16 lakh people may have been affected, it accounts for only 2 per cent of Tamil Nadu's eight-crore population. The flu spreads easily in crowded settings like schools, colleges and offices,” an official said.

Doctors noted that children tend to experience more severe symptoms such as vomiting and fatigue, which delays recovery. Parents have been advised not to send children with fever or cold to school and to ensure mask usage in classrooms to curb further spread.