BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Public Health confirmed 11 flu-related deaths for the 2019-2020 flu season.

Last week public health reported the number had jumped from four to seven.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said influenza has resulted in between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010.

Medical experts advise that if you are experiencing flu symptoms you should stay at home, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, wash your hands often and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

The Kern County Department of Public Health suggests that the best defense against the flu still remains the current flu vaccine.

Public health said the flu affects mostly children that are 6 months of age or younger because they cannot get vaccinated.

According to public health, bacteria can live on a surface for up to 24 hours. If you or your child have flu-like symptoms, a local pharmacist recommends visiting your doctor or urgent care.