First flu-related death of the season

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - The Dayton area is reporting it's first flu-related death of the year.

Warren County Health officials confirmed to 2 NEWS that over the weekend a senior citizen, who tested positive for influenza, passed away. Officials said the person had several other health complications and death was still under investigation.

On Wednesday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention called the 2012-2013 the worst flu season in ten years.

"If it's not at it's peak, we are probably getting close," said Bill Wharton, the spokesperson for Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County.

Wharton said it's difficult to determine how many people are infected, because most people don't report it.  However, Wharton said hospitalizations from influenza jumped from 7 to 14 over the last week.  While it's still a small number, Wharton said "statistically it's a significant jump".

To avoid getting the flu experts recommend frequent hand washing and getting a vaccination.

Flu shots are still available at Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County in the Riebold Building on Main Street in Dayton. Vaccines costs $21, but are always based on ability to pay.