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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Flu season is ramping up and new data released today by Walgreens is a strong reminder that now is the time to roll up your sleeve and get your annual flu shot if you haven’t already. The first monthly report from the Walgreens Flu Index for October shows increased flu activity in Louisiana and Nevada compared to this time last year, as well as activity in several southern states including: Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas.
Check out the top ten markets and states below:
Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
For month of October
- Lafayette, La.
- New Orleans, La.
- Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
- Baton Rouge, La.
- Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
- Laredo, Texas
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas
- Victoria, Texas
- Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas
- Las Vegas, Nev.
Top 10 States with Flu Activity
For Month of October
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- Texas
- Mississippi
- Florida
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- Hawaii
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
Launched six flu seasons ago, the Walgreens Flu Index is an online, interactive tool to view flu activity across markets and states in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Each week, we analyze prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across thousands of 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.
A new feature of the Walgreens Flu Index for the 2019-2020 season allows you to see how current flu activity compares to last season. October data show southern states are experiencing more widespread flu activity this year. Index levels are higher in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma and Nevada compared to this time last year.
The only thing predictable about the flu is that it’s unpredictable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect yourself and loved ones is by getting a flu shot every season, ideally before the flu starts to spread in your community.
