Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: Although there isn't specific information for Anne Arundel County, 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 Anne Arundel County that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course):

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

Plenty of local businesses are offering inexpensive flu shots for residents. Here are a few of them: Below you can find their listings on Patch and the price for a flu vaccination.

• Giant Food—$30
• CVS Pharmacy—$31.99
• Rite Aid—$29.99
• Walgreens Pharmacy—$31.99

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

Five states—Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and 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