The numbers of flu-related deaths climbed to six in Santa Clara County, the health department reported Friday, claiming the lives of two women.
Spokeswoman Amy Cornell said a 52-year-old woman and a 62-year-old women both died of H1N1 this past week. Countywide, there are 15 severe flu cases this season, up from 13.
MORE: Flu Prevention Tips
This raises the total number of flu deaths in the Bay Area to 22.
- Santa Clara County - 6 deaths
- Alameda County - 3 deaths
- Marin County - 2 deaths
- San Mateo County - 3 deaths
- San Francisco - 1 death
- Contra Costa County - 2 deaths
- Solano County - 1 death
- Sonoma County - 3 deaths
- Napa County - 1 death
The majority of this season's deaths have been linked to swine flu, which first emerged in 2009. The H1N1 strain is known to be more dangerous to young and middle-age adults than other strains of the flu.
Health officials are urging everyone ages 6 months and older to get vaccinated. Those considered at highest risk are those 65 and older, children less than two years old, pregnant women and those with medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and weakened immune systems.
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The peak of flu season is between January and March, and the vaccine takes about two weeks after inoculation to be fully effective, according to health officials.
For more information on flu prevention, click here.
