Where to Get a Flu Shot in Athens, Ga.

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, the number of flu cases was lower in Athens than it is now, according to estimates on Google's Flu Trends. Students at Clarke Central "are dropping like flies," said the mother of one flu-ridden sophomore.

Overall in Georgia, activity is considered intense now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. Flu Trends is a Google tool that uses aggregated search data to estimate flu activity.

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

• Publix Pharmacy 1146
  1860 Barnett Shoals Road
  Athens, GA30605
  (706) 227-6265
• Target Pharmacy
  3065 Atlanta Hwy
  Athens, GA 30606
  706-545-8656
• CVS/Pharmacy Store #3678
  196 Alps Road
  Athens, GA 30606
  (706)369-3490

You can find more locations here or by typing in your ZIP code above.

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

You may also be interested in reading:

New Flu Test From UGA

Tamiflu--Is it All it's Cracked Up to Be?

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