California flu deaths jump to 97.

The number of Californians younger than 65 who have died from the flu during this flu season jumped again in the latest reporting period and now totals 97, according to figures released Friday by state public health officials.

The latest number represents a spike of 23 in addition to the 74 deaths announced by the state last week — and an increase of four in the Greater Bay Area.

Flu-related fatalities around the region now total 29, including seven deaths in Contra Costa County; five in Santa Clara County; six in Monterey County; three each in Santa Cruz and Solano counties; two each in San Benito and San Mateo counties; and one in Marin County.

Contra Costa County’s seven flu deaths this flu season already have surpassed the four flu deaths the county recorded during its entire 2016-17 flu season.

This flu season, which began Oct. 1, has exploded over the past month in the Golden State, and is on track to being the worst in 10 years. State public health officials are urging anyone who has not yet received the flu vaccine to get one immediately.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates this year’s flu vaccine to be around 30 percent effective against H3N2 — the dominant strain of the virus circulating the planet. But, as public health officials are emphasizing, getting the flu shot is still the best way of protecting yourself from the flu, and reducing the severity of the virus if you contract it.

Experts say vaccines are especially important for people at high risk for serious flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. They include pregnant women; children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old; people 65 years of age and older; and people who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Antiviral prescription drugs like Tamiflu can also help those who get the flu, and work best if started within two days of getting sick. Because some drugstores may have a limited supply, however, it’s best to call ahead to confirm its availability.

For more information about the flu, visit the California Department of Public Health at https://www.cdph. ca.gov/ and click on the latest flu report.