Flu season in San Diego has claimed 11 lives in total and 12 lives in North Carolina. Many residents are bracing themselves with the season already on its peak this December.

Last week, six influenza-related deaths were confirmed by the Country Health and Human Services Agency, increasing the death toll to 11. San Diego's County News Center reported over 3,873 flu cases are confirmed with 2,227 new cases reported last week alone. The flu season is also increasing at a rapid rate in only a matter of weeks.

The health agency is also urging people to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of catching the flu. There are many reports indicating that flu shots are not 100 percent effective but are still necessary during the flu season.

Medical experts also believe that the effectivity of the vaccine is affected by the magnitude of the flu season. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza vaccine decreases the risk of the illness by 40 to 60 percent. The CDC also pointed out that flu shots are advisable to fight off influenza B and influenza A (H1N1).

North Carolina's number of deaths related to the flu season increases to 11. The most recent one is a child from central North Carolina who died last week due to the flu. The name, age, address, and gender of the child are not disclosed to the public. Nine children have died across the United States through Dec. 16.

The CDC and professionals have informed the public that it is not too late to get vaccinated. The CDC released important reminders for individuals to avoid catching the flu. First on the list is to avoid contact with people who already have the flu. It is also important to stay inside the house whether an individual is sick or not. The organization also encourages people to maintain cleanliness inside their home.