Walgreens Flu Index points to rising flu incidence across Texas

DEERFIELD, Ill.  — The Walgreens Flu Index is tracking a significant uptick in influenza across the Lone Star state, according to the company's weekly report.



The top 10 markets as measured by flu activity for the week of Jan. 15 are:

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


2. 
   Lafayette, La.;


3. 
   Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.;


4. 
   Oklahoma City;


5. 
   Corpus Christi, Texas;


6. 
   Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas;


7. 
   Dallas – Ft. Worth, Texas;


8. 
   Joplin, Mo.-Pittsburg, Kan.;


9. 
   Tyler-Longview(Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas; and


10. 
    Monterey – Salinas, Calif.

                

The top 10 markets as meaured by gains in flu activity are:

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


2. 
   Oklahoma City;


3. 
   Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.;


4. 
   Corpus Christi, Texas;


5. 
   Joplin, Mo.-Pittsburg, Kan.;


6. 
   Dallas – Ft. Worth, Texas;


7. 
   Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas;


8. 
   Lafayette, La.;


9. 
   Tyler-Longview(Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas; and


10. 
    Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.

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.