Flu Season Worse This Year

California health officials said Friday that 147 people in the state have died from the flu this season. Last season, a total of 106 flu-related deaths were recorded.

The primary strain circulating this season is the H1N1 strain, which hits the young particularly hard. The California Department of Public Health said Friday four of the deaths involved children. Another 44 deaths are under investigation as possibly flu-related.

In Tuolumne County, there have been five confirmed cases of influenza A.

In Calaveras two cases tested positive in the lab but the number of cases could be higher as few people are tested and most recover.

The state only tracks flu deaths among people 65 and younger. The death toll does not include the elderly, who are most vulnerable.

Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated.