Flu cases are on the rise, according to Flu Trends, a Google-run site that uses search data to estimate the prevalence of the disease around the world in real time.

Since its launch in 2008, Flu Trends has shown a "strong correlation" between people searching for certain terms and the number of people reporting flu-like symptoms in hospitals, including at Johns Hopkins, according to a study published earlier this year in Clinical Infectious Diseases, according to Science Daily. 

The latest figures indicate that flu activity in Maryland is in the "high to intense" range. At this time last year, the incidence of the virus was considered "low to moderate" in the state.

The story is much the same for the Washington, D.C. area, where flu activity also registers in the "high to intense" range.

In general, the Southeast is seeing the country's highest levels of flu activity, while the West is seeing lower infection rates. 

But you don't need to head out West to avoid the flu - consider getting a flu shot.

In Howard County, most Walgreens, CVS, Giant and Target pharmacies offer flu shots and, in some cases, nasal spray vaccinations.

You can also find a flu shot location near you with this Flu Vaccine Finder.