Walgreens Launches 2016-17 Flu Index

Walgreens announces it has 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. This year’s Flu Index will include Puerto Rico for the first time.

Now in its third year, the Walgreens Flu Index is compiled using the drugstore chain’s weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide and in Puerto Rico. 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.

To view this week’s Walgreens Flu Index, maps and other online features, including the ability to search by market name or state, click http://arcg.is/1HA3vGP.

“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,” said 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.”

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
Week of 12/11/2016

1. Puerto Rico
2. Reno, Nev.
3. Lafayette, La.
4. Monterey-Salinas, Calif.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
6. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
7. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
8. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
9. Oklahoma City, Okla.
10. Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.

Top 10 States with Flu Activity
Week of 12/11/2016

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

Top 10 DMAs Flu Activity Gains
Week of 12/11/2016

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
10. Oklahoma City, Okla.

Top 10 State Flu Activity Gains
Week of 12/11/2016

1. Puerto Rico
2. Mississippi
3. Hawaii
4. Alabama
5. Utah
6. South Dakota
7. West Virginia
8. Oklahoma
9. Montana
10. Alaska

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.

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