Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, the number of flu cases was lower in the Athens area than it is 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 Oconee County that offer the vaccine:

Publix Pharmacy
2061 Experiment Station Rd
Watkinsville, GA 30677

Rite Aid
2065 Experiment Station Road
Watkinsville, GA 30677

CVS/Pharmacy Store
2080 Hog Mountain Road
Watkinsville, GA 30677

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. 

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

You may also be interested in reading:

New Flu Test From UGA

Tamiflu--Is it All it's Cracked Up to Be?