Cough, Cold and Flu Report 2015: The sickest cities in America

They’re singing the blues in Knoxville, Tenn., ranked the No. 1 sickest city in the United States for the week beginning Jan. 12, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index. Not far away, citizens of the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee — which includes Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol, Tenn., and the surrounding area —also are experiencing significant flu symptoms. 

 

Tennessee government officials recently put out the call to all Tennesseans to increase their efforts to prevent flu and flu-related health threats by getting immunized and talking with their healthcare providers about flu-like symptoms. “It’s important to contact your healthcare provider so appropriate treatment can begin quickly,” said state epidemiologist Tim Jones. “While common colds and the flu may have similar symptoms — including muscle pain, fever, sore throat, coughing and overall weakness — the onset of flu usually happens more quickly, and the symptoms often are more severe. Your healthcare provider can evaluate you and advise if anti-viral medications are appropriate.”

 

But the flu is currently headed West, as evidenced by the number of cities on Walgreens’ top 10 designated market areas flu activity gains list — Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona are seeing a significant spike in flu activity, as are Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento in California. “Flu activity is beginning to increase statewide, including reports of hospitalizations and severe disease,” said Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health. “We are early on in what could be a severe flu season, and I encourage everyone who has not yet gotten a flu vaccination to do so. The influenza vaccine remains the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu.”  

 

According to the Walgreens Flu Index, the top DMAs with flu activity for the week beginning Jan. 12 are: 

 

1. Knoxville, Tenn.;

2. Oklahoma City, Okla.;

3. Tri-Cities, Tenn. – Va.;

4. Paducah, Ky. – Cape Girardeau, Mo. – Harrisburg, Ill.;

5. Chattanooga, Tenn.;

6. Columbia, S.C.;

7. Little Rock-Pine Bluff, Ark.;

8. Tulsa, Okla.;

9. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas; and

10. Richmond-Petersburg, Va.

 

The top 10 DMAs as measured by flu activity gains between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 are: 

 

1. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.);

2. Greensboro-High Point-Winston Salem, N.C.;

3. Buffalo, N.Y.;

4. Phoenix (Prescott), Ariz.;

5. Los Angeles, Calif.;

6. Wichita-Hutchinson, Kan. Plus;

7. Tucson (Sierra Vista), Ariz.;

8. San Diego, Calif.;

9. Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.; and

10. Boise, Idaho

 

The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report developed to provide state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranking of those experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country. With the ability to generate hyperlocal data that’s as specific as a single zip code, the index aims to drive consumer awareness and prevention within communities, while also serving as a resource for health departments, media and others at the local level.