Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in Norcross than they are now, according to estimates on Google's Flu Trends.

Overall in Georgia, activity is considered intense now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. Flu Trends is a Google tool that uses aggregated search data to estimate flu activity.

If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Norcross that offer the vaccine:

Rite Aid, 5505 Buford Highway

CVS Pharmacy, 5304 Buford Highway

Walgreens, 5296 Jimmy Carter Blvd

You can find more locations here or by typing in your ZIP code above.

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

Are you a believer in getting the flu shot every year? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments.

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