Wyoming nabs the top spot on Walgreens’ Flu Index

Another week means another update on Walgreens’ Flu Index.

The Deerfield, Ill.-based retailer, which compiles a weekly report on state and market-specific information on flu activity, has released its findings for the week ending Dec. 29, 2018.

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

Results for the week ending Dec. 29, 2018, include:

The Top 10 Designated Market Areas, or DMAs, with Flu Activity

• Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.


• El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)


• Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas


• Omaha, Neb.


• Montgomery-Selma, Ala.


• Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas


• Louisville, Ky.


• Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas


• Chattanooga, Tenn.


• Nashville, Tenn.

The Top 10 States with Flu Activity

• Nebraska


• Texas


• Tennessee


• Kentucky


• New Mexico


• Colorado


• Alabama


• Wyoming


• Nevada


• New Jersey

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity Gains

• Tyler-Longview(Lufkin and Nacogdoches), Texas


• Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.


• Omaha, Neb.


• Louisville, Ky.


• Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas


• Colorado Springs-Pueblo, Colo.


• El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)


• San Antonio, Texas


• Shreveport, La.


• Las Vegas, Nev.

The Top 10 States with Flu Activity Gains

• Nebraska


• Kentucky


• Wyoming


• Texas


• Nevada


• Iowa


• Utah


• Kansas


• New Jersey


• Montana