Flu Nears 'Intense' Levels in Chicago

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in Chicago than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. 

(North Side-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.)

Overall in Illinois, activity is considered high now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. That means it's time to get vaccinated if you haven't already. Here's a few places around town you can get the shot. 

LAKEVIEW

• CVS, 3637 N. Southport Ave.
• Walgreens, 3201 N. Broadway St.
• Walgreens, 2835 N. Sheffield Ave.

LINCOLN PARK

• Walgreens, 2317 North Clark St.
• CVS, 1714 N. Sheffield Ave.
• Dominicks, 959 W. Fullerton Ave.

LINCOLN SQUARE

• Walgreens, 4801 N. Lincoln Ave.
• Dominicks, 5233 N. Lincoln Ave.
• CVS, 4800 N. Damen Ave.

NORTH CENTER/ROSCOE VILLAGE

• Walgreens, 2301 W. Irving Park Road
• Walgreens, 3358 N. Western Ave.
• CVS, 4051 N. Lincoln Ave.

BUCKTOWN/WICKER PARK

• CVS, 2053 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• Osco Drug, 1343 N. Paulina St.
• Walgreens, 2440 W. North Ave.

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