Authorities say 11 people died from the flu last week, bringing the state's death toll this flu season to 63. And they say they expect the number to continue climbing.

To counter the virus' spread, state health officials are urging residents to take advantage of statewide flu vaccinations Saturday.

Doctors say the H3N2 flu strain is responsible for most flu deaths this season, including child fatalities.

Emergency rooms and urgent care providers say they've been inundated with flu cases.

Dr. JD Sidana says the Tamiflu treatment can help if taken within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms.

"This strain has led to a higher number of hospitalizations, unfortunately a higher number of deaths and also a significantly higher number of deaths in kids," Sidana says.

The influenza A virus, especially the H3N2 strain, wreaks havoc in the lungs and can cause pneumonia.

The flu vaccine does not directly protect against the H3N2 virus, but doctors say it can at least help.