Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: Although there isn't specific information for Severna Park, data for Maryland is on Google's Flu Trends.

Overall in Maryland, activity is considered high now, while it was considered just below moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends.

If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Severna Park that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course):

• Rite Aid
• Walgreens

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides free flu shot and nasal spray clinics in Annapolis and Glen Burnie. For more information, call the department's flu information line at 410-222-7343

For more locations—type in your ZIP code to find locations in Anne Arundel County.

According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. 

Five states – Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee – are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally peaks in January and February.

Holiday travel and more time spent indoors due to soggy weather will contribute to the spread of the flu virus, so now is the time to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information:

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu
• How flu spreads