Walgreens releases first flu index for the season

DEERFIELD, Ill.  — Walgreens on Thursday launched its first Flu Index for the 2016-17 season, a weekly report that ranks the top markets and states for flu activity in the U.S. It's the third year for Walgreens' Flu Index, and this year will include Puerto Rico for the first time.



The Walgreens Flu Index is compiled using the chain’s weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. In addition to the top markets and states for activity, the Flu Index also ranks those experiencing the greatest gains on a week-over-week basis.



“While flu activity remains relatively low across most of the U.S., our data suggests a gradual increase in incidences of flu in a growing number of markets,” stated Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Even with a slower start to flu season, the Flu Index helps health officials, media and consumers stay informed about the flu in their local community.”



For the week ended Dec. 11, the top 10 markets with flu activity were:

1. 
   Puerto Rico;


2. 
   Reno, Nev.;


3. 
   Lafayette, La.;


4. 
   Monterey-Salinas, Calif.;


5. 
   Honolulu;


6. 
   Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas;


7. 
   Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.;


8. 
   Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas;


9. 
   Oklahoma City; and


10. 
    Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.

And the top 10 markets experiencing flu activity gains were:

1. 
   Puerto Rico;


2. 
   Monterey-Salinas, Calif.;


3. 
   Lafayette, La.;


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


5. 
   Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas;


6. 
   Charleston, S.C.;


7. 
   Tallahassee, FL-Thomasville, Ga.;


8. 
   Reno, Nev.;


9. 
   Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas; and


10. 
    Oklahoma City.

Data for the Walgreens Flu Index 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.



The Index is not intended to illustrate levels or severity of flu activity, but rather, based on this methodology, to show which populations are experiencing the highest incidences of influenza within the U.S. and Puerto Rico each week