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

Overall in Missouri, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends.

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

• Winkelmann Sons Drug, 2900 Lemay Ferry Rd
• Walgreens, 2700 Telegraph Rd
• CVS Pharmacy, 7334 Lindbergh Boulevard 

According to the 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