The current influenza season is proving to be more virulent and deadlier than in previous years and has health officials concerned about the rate of infections during the typical peak months of January and February.So far, this season the state has recorded 27 influenza-related deaths in people under the age of 65, including one in Stanislaus County. Health officials began seeing flu cases earlier than in previous years and are uncertain if the increased activity will end sooner or will continue to grow as the flu season hits its peak time. "We might end up having one of the worst seasons in quite a long time, but we won't know until it is over," Dr. Gil Chavez, the state's epidemiologist, said Tuesday during a teleconference with reporters.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that influenza activity has increased significantly over recent weeks with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating so far this season.The presence of the A(H3N2) virus is problematic for health officials because it is a strain that has in the past been responsible for more hospitalizations and deaths in people 65 years and older and younger children, according to the CDC. Additionally, the vaccine effectiveness for A(H3N2) has generally been lower than other strains.