DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens today released its season-ending Flu Index™, ranking the top states and markets (DMAs) for flu activity this season. The Index is based on methodology that includes Walgreens aggregate prescription data from September 2017 through March 2018.
The states with the highest rates of influenza, according to the Index, were Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The top three markets for flu activity were all in Texas, including San Angelo, Odessa-Midland, and Tyler-Longview (Lufkin and Nacogdoches).
The Walgreens Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the highest incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology. The data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity.
Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
Aggregate data from September 2017 through March 2018
1. San Angelo, Texas
2. Odessa-Midland, Texas
3. Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas
4. Jonesboro, Ark.
5. Hattiesburg-Laurel, Miss.
6. Alexandria, La.
7. Victoria, Texas
8. Abilene-Sweetwater, Texas
9. Monroe, La.-El Dorado, Ark.
10. Wichita Falls, Texas and Lawton, Okla.
Top 10 States with Flu Activity
Aggregate data from September 2017 through March 2018
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Arkansas
4. Mississippi
5. Louisiana
6. Alabama
7. Tennessee
8. Kentucky
9. Nebraska
10. Kansas
