Walgreens Flu Index: Central U.S. still heavily impacted by flu

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Influenza activity is spreading steadily throughout the central U.S. as Oklahoma and Texas continue to boast the most citizens impacted by influenza-like illnesses, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index released Thursday.



The Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology.



The top 10 markets for the week of Jan. 29 are:

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


2. 
   Corpus Christi, Texas;


3. 
   Lafayette, La.;


4. 
   Oklahoma City;


5. 
   Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas;


6. 
   Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.;


7. 
   Dallas – Ft. Worth, Texas;


8. 
   Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas;


9. 
   Tulsa, Okla.; and


10. 
    Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.

The top 10 markets with the greatest flu activity gains for the week of Jan. 29 are:

1. 
   Corpus Christi, Texas;


2. 
   Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas;


3. 
   Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas;


4. 
   Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City & Dubuque, Iowa;


5. 
   Lexington, Ky.;


6. 
   Oklahoma City;


7. 
   Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.;


8. 
   Dallas – Ft. Worth, Texas;


9. 
   Knoxville, Tenn.; and


10. 
    Lansing, Mich.

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.