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

Google Flu Trends data indicates that the number of flu cases in Maryland started rising in mid-November. As of Jan. 11, the flu has reached the "intense" category in Maryland, whereas at this time last year, the number of flu cases was only in the "moderate" range.

Carroll Hospital said this week it was among the hospitals in the region seeing a spike in flu cases.

"We're seeing more in the last few weeks than we saw at this time last year," said Elizabeth Fuss, RN and Infection Control/Associate Health manager at Carroll Hospital Center.

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).

If you catch it, Mark Landrum, an infection control physician at Howard County General Hospital said it’s important to act quickly. Doctors can prescribe Tamiflu – an anti-influenza medication that’s been proven to shorten symptoms by a day.

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

See related links:

Carroll Hospital Center Sees Spike in Flu Cases

Where Can I Get a Flu Shot in Carroll County?

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