Walgreens Flu Index captures budding flu season by market

DEERFIELD, Ill.  — The latest Walgreens Flu Index issued Thursday recorded sharp upticks in several U.S. markets, including those markets in Utah, Mississippi, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.



The weekly Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology and does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity, Walgreens noted. But with the ability to generate hyper-local data across most U.S. markets, the Flu Index is an online, interactive resource allowing anyone to search and find information regarding the most current state of influenza in their community.



For the week of Jan. 8, the top 10 markets as measured by flu activity were:

1. 
   Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas;


2. 
   Lafayette, La.;


3. 
   Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.;


4. 
   Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.;


5. 
   Monterey – Salinas, Calif.;


6. 
   Oklahoma City;


7. 
   Salt Lake City;


8. 
   Honolulu;


9. 
   Puerto Rico; and


10. 
    Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas.

The top 10 markets with the greatest flu activity gains were:

1. 
   Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas;


2. 
   Lafayette, La.;


3. 
   Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.;


4. 
   Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.;


5. 
   Puerto Rico;


6. 
   Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.;


7. 
   Columbia-Jefferson City, Mo.;


8. 
   Salt Lake City;


9. 
   Mobile, Ala.-Pensacola (Ft. Walton Beach), Fla.; and


10. 
    Bakersfield, Calif.

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.