Flu season still 'Texas big' in Lone Star State

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The Lone Star State remains the chief hold out with regard to extending a flu season that's been winding down. According to the latest Walgreens Flu Index, four of the top 10 markets still experiencing high levels of flu activity are in Texas, including three of the top five markets.



For the week of March 12, the top 10 markets for flu activity were:

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


2. 
   Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas;


3. 
   Greensboro-High Point-Winston Salem, N.C.;


4. 
   Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas;


5. 
   Shreveport, La.;


6. 
   Knoxville, Tenn.;


7. 
   Tri-Cities, Tenn.-Va.;


8. 
   Corpus Christi, Texas;


9. 
   Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville), N.C.; and


10. 
    Oklahoma City.

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. The Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology. The data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity.



The Walgreens Flu Index is compiled using weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The data is analyzed at state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, and does not include markets in which Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations.