Walgreens shares first Flu Index of flu season

As flu season gets off the ground, Walgreens is issuing the first of its monthly Walgreens Flu Index reports. The October report shows increased activity in Louisiana and Nevada, as well as activity in several southern states that include Alabama, Floria, Mississippi and Texas. 

Below are the top 10 markets with flu activity, as well as the top 10 states with flu activity for October. 

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
For month of October

1. Lafayette, La.
2. New Orleans, La.
3. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
4. Baton Rouge, La.
5. Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
6. Laredo, Texas
7. Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas
8. Victoria, Texas
9. Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas
10. Las Vegas, Nev.

Top 10 states with flu activity

1. Louisiana
2. Nevada
3. Texas
4. Mississippi
5. Florida
6. Alabama
7. Tennessee
8. Hawaii
9. Oklahoma
10. Arkansas

The rankings are compiled using prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat the flu across Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide. This year, the Walgreens Flu Index allows users to compare activity to last season. In October, southern states saw more widespread activity this year than last year. Additionally, levels are higher in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma and Nevada this year than they were last year.