RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - An adult in the western region of North Carolina has succumbed to flu and has been recorded by state health officials as the first official death of the 2015-16 flu season.

Neither the county, nor the deceased, have been identified.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family," said Acting State Health Director Dr. Megan Davies in a news release. "We hope that by making people aware of this unfortunate case we will remind everyone that flu can be a serious disease and encourage people to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated."

Guidelines from federal health officials encourage people older than six months to get vaccinated. Exceptions include those at greater risk for complications, including the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (including obesity) and young children.

Last season's vaccine proved ineffective at preventing flu in some people who received the vaccine, but health officials believe this year's cocktail is more finely tuned.