Big surge in number of flu cases reported across Southern California

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11 - Another busy day at a medical urgent care center in La Verne. A dramatic surge in patients has filled the exam rooms complaining of flu-like symptoms.

Helen the receptionist got hit the day after Christmas. The fact is the incidences of flu is up all across Southern California.

In Orange County, two times higher than this time last year. In San Diego County, its eight times higher and in Riverside County, six times higher.

Deaths from the flu are up too. There have been 19 deaths in L.A. County, 4 in Orange County...and a scary 45 in San Diego County.

Medical professionals in Riverside County say this is the highest incidence of flu in 15 years…so dramatic that the city of Riverside held a news conference detailing the number of calls for ambulance service was up a whopping 31-percent over what's typical.

Doctors offered advice on how to avoid the flu. -- number one on the list...get the shot!