Nebraska, Texas markets hold top spots in Walgreens Flu Index

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Nebraska and Texas markets are the top areas in Walgreens Flu Index for week ending December 22, 2018. The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report developed to provide state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranks those states and markets experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country.

Now in its fifth flu season, the Walgreens Flu Index was developed as a tool for consumers, health officials and the media to track flu activity in their area, and it continues to be an indicator of flu activity and important reminder to take preventive measures, such as receiving a flu shot, to stay healthy throughout the flu season.

The Walgreens Flu Index is compiled using the drugstore chain’s weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide. In addition to the top markets and states, the Flu Index also ranks the markets and states experiencing the greatest gains in activity on a week-over-week basis.

The weekly report is also available through an online, interactive map, which allows anyone to search and find information regarding the most current state of influenza in their community. To view this week’s map, click here.

Top 10 DMAs* with Flu Activity

Week Ending 12/22/2018

1.         Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.
2.         El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
3.         Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
4.         Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
5.         Chattanooga, Tenn.
6.         Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
7.         Omaha, Neb.
8.         Columbus, Ga. (Opelika, Ala.)
9.         Atlanta, Ga.
10.         Memphis, Tenn.

Top 10 States with Flu Activity

Week Ending 12/22/2018

1.         Nebraska
2.         Tennessee
3.         Texas
4.         Georgia
5.         Alabama
6.         New Mexico
7.         Kentucky
8.         Colorado
9.         Puerto Rico
10.         New Jersey

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity Gains

Week Ending 12/22/2018

1.         Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.
2.         El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
3.         Chattanooga, Tenn.
4.         Omaha, Neb.
5.         Columbus, Ga. (Opelika, Ala.)
6.         Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
7.         Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
8.         Memphis, Tenn.
9.         Louisville, Ky.
10.         Atlanta, Ga.

Top 10 States with Flu Activity Gains

Week Ending 12/22/2018

1.         Nebraska
2.         Tennessee
3.         Kentucky
4.         New Mexico
5.         Georgia
6.         Texas
7.         Alabama
8.         Colorado
9.         Wyoming
10.         Mississippi

*Designated Market Area