Flu reaches highest level in the U.S. in quite some time

DEERFIELD. Ill. — Flu activity across the U.S. has soared with doctor visits for flu-like illness at its highest level in over 25 years. Both federal health data and the Walgreens Respiratory Index show a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses following the holidays.

“This flu season is exceptionally active,” says Anita Patel, vice president of Pharmacy Services Development at Walgreens. 

Tracking respiratory illness trends

Launched last fall, the Walgreens Respiratory Index is an interactive online tool that tracks flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide using prescription, testing and over-the-counter (OTC) product purchase data from Walgreens locations nationwide. This unique tool builds on more than a decade of insights from the Walgreens Flu Index to offer a more comprehensive view of respiratory illness trends across the U.S., helping the public, healthcare providers and health officials make more informed decisions throughout the respiratory virus season.

Index data is updated weekly and allows users to search by market or state to see where their geographic area ranks for both flu-like illness activity. The latest data shows nearly all U.S. states were at high or very high levels of flu activity.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscores the severity of the current flu season. Nationally, more than 8% of healthcare visits during the last week of the year were for flu-like symptoms. This is the highest since CDC began tracking this metric in 1997. At the same point last season—which was also considered severe—that number was 6.7%.

Steps to protect yourself and others

“To protect yourself and others, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible, wash your hands frequently and if you’re feeling symptoms, get tested right away,” Patel says.

It is not too late to protect against respiratory viruses. Walgreens offers flu, COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines for eligible individuals ages 3 years and older at stores nationwide.* Individuals and families can walk into their nearest Walgreens pharmacy or schedule an appointment by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, texting “Flu” to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.  Currently, myWalgreens members will receive 20% off their next eligible purchase with any vaccination received.**

Walgreens also offers a variety of convenient, low-cost, in-store and at-home testing options for respiratory illnesses, including the Walgreens COVID-19 & Flu A+B Antigen Test and the new Flowflex RSV + Flu A/B + Covid Antigen Home Test, as well as virtual healthcare from the comfort of your home.

“Don’t forget to pick up flu care essentials like tissues, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, OTC medications and plenty of fluids at your local Walgreens,” Patel says. “These items can help ease symptoms and prevent the spread of germs during this intense flu season.”