Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in New Jersey than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Hillsborough-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.)

Overall in New Jersey, activity is high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. The trend is also showing an increase in flu in our area, pushing the level upwards—in the last five years, only in the  2009-2010 season was the rate was higher at this time of the year. 

If you're considering getting a flu shot, contact your doctor or head to one of these local pharmacies:

• CVS
• Rite Aid
• ShopRite
• Walgreen's Pharmacy

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