UPDATED - (Jan 11) — Well, the entire Lemke household is sick. I've got a cold and my wife has the full-blown flu. In the last three days we've made one visit to Patient First, another to the new medical building in Odenton and six vistis to CVS.

We evidently didn't follow much of the advice we've printed right here on Patch about how to avoid getting sick. 

As a public service, we're re-publishing this article from last month giving some information on how to protect against the flu.

It's not necessarily too late to get a flu shot, as the season can run into the spring. 

Be sure to check out the chart above indicating a spike in flu cases in the Baltimore area. 

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Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in Baltimore than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Specific data on Odenton and Severn is not available on Flu Trends.)

Overall in  activity is considered moderate 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 Odenton and Severn that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course). At most locations, shots cost between $25 and $30.

Patient First - You can walk in between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and get a flu shot.

CVS - At locations in Odenton and Severn, customers can get a flu shot and receive a 20 percent off shopping coupon.

Walgreens - The new pharmacy on Piney Orchard Parkway has flu shots available via appointment. Schedule one online at Walgreens.com.

Rite Aid - Locations in Odenton and in Severn offer flu shots with no appointment.

More locations

According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. 

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