Flu Claims Lives Of 2 In California

CALIFORNIA -- Two flu-related deaths have been reported in California. The flu season, which runs from October to March, reportedly killed two people in November, according to the California Department of Health.

But, that's only the number of reported deaths. The California Department of Public Health said it doesn't have an exact number of reported flu cases or deaths in the state as agencies are only required to report flu-related deaths of people under the age of 65.

In its latest Morbidity and Mortality Report, the Centers for Disease Control said the U.S. can expect to see an increase in influenza activity in the coming weeks.

While it's difficult to predict when flu activity will peak in the U.S., the CDC said after low flu activity in October, cases have been increasing since early November.

Flu activity in the U.S. generally begins as early as October and can last as late as May. According to the CDC, flu activity generally peaks sometime between December and February.

The CDC says getting a flu shot is currently the most effective method of avoiding the flu. While vaccine effectiveness can range from season to season, the CDC says a majority of cases reported so far — while small — have been characterized as being similar to the recommended 2017-18 Northern hemisphere flu vaccine components. According to the CDC, this suggests that getting vaccinated should provide similar protection as past seasons.

According to CDC estimates, approximately 48 percent of Californians older than six months of age received a flu shot during the 2016-2017 season.

Watch: Flu Activity On The Rise

-- By Patch writers Hoa Quach and Feroze Dhanoa; Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press