RALEIGH (AP) — State health officials have reported the first death from influenza in North Carolina this season.

The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement Thursday that an adult in the western part of the state died last week.

The state does not release the names of flu victims.

Acting health Hirector Dr. Megan Davies said the agency wants to remind everyone of how serious flu can be. Davies urged people to obtain flu shots to protect themselves.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends annual vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older. Davies said it is not too early to get the vaccine to be protected during the 2015-16 flu season.