Twelve people have died from the flu at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida since October, UF reported Thursday.

The report noted 11 of the victims, all from around North Central Florida, did not get a flu vaccine.

According to the Shands report, this year's H1N1 strain of the virus -- the same type of strain as the so-called "swine flu" that caused a pandemic in 2009 -- is affecting a group that typically pays less attention to the flu: People under 40 years old.

Of the 12 people who died at Shands, five were under 40. State health officials said this year's flu shot supply does cover the H1N1 strain.

In nearby Marion County, where flu-like illnesses have increased steadily at emergency rooms and urgent care clinics in the last three weeks, the report spread almost as quickly as the virus, itself.

Flu cases reported in Marion County shot up from 34 to 69 in the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, putting Marion among the top five Florida counties reporting the highest number of flu cases.

"It's scary, but they should have gotten a flu shot," said Claudia Boss, of Marion County, regarding the 11 victims at Shands who did not get the vaccine this year.

Still, many in Florida remain divided in their trust of the flu shot.

"I never get the flu shot," said Daniel Boyd, of Marion County.

"I'm young. I don't really worry about it too much," said Jim Cooke, of Marion County. "Just roll with the punches. You know?"

Hospitals are not required to report how many people have died from the flu, so we don't know how many flu-related deaths there may have been in Marion County this year.

The state of Florida does compile statistics on influenza-related deaths. Last week alone, 177 people died statewide.

"People die from the flu every year, and it's unfortunate," said Craig Ackerman, with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. "That's why we try to press people to get the vaccine and practice good hygiene."

A recent flu outbreak has also killed one woman in Brevard County and put three other people on life support, including a pregnant mother in her 30s.