Flu cases appear to be on the rise, according to Google Flu Trends, which "uses aggregated Google search data to estimate current flu activity around the world in near real-time," Google Flu Trends' website stated.

Google Flu Trends' data indicates that the number of flu cases in Maryland is already between the "high" and "intense" categories, whereas at this time last year, the number of flu cases was only between the "low" and "moderate" categories.

Best places to escape the flu, according to Google Flu Trends: South America, South Africa and Australia. (Perhaps flu viruses don't like long flights?)

Or, better yet, consider getting a flu shot. Find a flu shot location near you with this Flu Vaccine Finder (available through the American Lung Association's website).

Some places to get vaccinated in the Parkville-Overlea area include:

Carney Area

CVS/Pharmacy Store #2045
9305 Harford Road
(410)668-8501

Safeway Pharmacy # 1880
8858 Waltham Woods Rd
(410) 882-8825

Shoppers Pharmacy
1955 East Joppa Road
410-665-5120

Kmart Pharmacy 3256
8980 Waltham Woods Rd
(410) 882-2626

Walgreens
9616 Harford Rd
(410) 663-7957

CVS/Pharmacy Store #4212
Carney Village Shopping Center
(410)668-5544

Parkville

Rite Aid #369
Parkville Shopping Center
(410) 444-4700

Fullerton

Kmart Pharmacy 3517
7923 Belair Rd
Baltimore, MD 21236
(410) 665-3785

TELL US: Have you gotten the flu yet? How bad was it? Leave a comment.