COLUMBIA (WACH / AP) - Google is exploring flu trends throughout the world and sharing the information visually online.

The data for Google's Flu Trends website is compiled by comparing flu-related searches with "traditional flu surveillance systems" to "estimate how much flu is circulating in different countries and regions around the world."

Google's website shows that Columbia currently has a level of flu activity that is approaching intense. Graphs dating back to 2006 can be compared to this year's flu season.

As of last Friday, 22 people have died because of the flu in South Carolina since the first reported flu death in the state last November in Barnwell County. Of the 22 people who have died, 19 deaths have involved people at least age 65. Two of the victims were between 50 and 64 and one was a 4-year-old.

According to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, flu season kicked off in South Carolina in mid-October, which is earlier than usual. DHEC estimates 400,000 people in South Carolina will get the flu during this flu season.

Google's data shows that Columbia had a high activity peak as early as September in 2009 and as late as February in 2008.

Charlotte and Greenville are both showing higher intensity levels of flu activity than the Midlands this year, according to the website. South Carolina and North Carolina are categorized as having intense flu activity this year, along with 44 other states.

Health officials say there is still time to get a flu shot, but people should hurry because it takes two weeks to build to full immunity.

CNN reports that the vaccine is about 62 percent effective, according to Dr. Thomas Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

If you do or do not get the flu shot - what is your reasoning behind that decision? Tell us with a comment below - or join the conversation on Facebook.