DEERFIELD, Ill. — Flu season is here and activity is already starting to creep into communities. Walgreens launched on Wednesday its first Walgreens Flu Index for the 2019-2020 season to help communities, health officials, media and more, get a grasp on flu activity in their area. The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report ranking the top markets and states for flu activity in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. The Walgreens Flu Index also ranks the top markets and states showing the largest increases in flu activity week over week, this does not include flu severity.

Each week during flu season, the retailer pulls prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across thousands of Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide. Since its creation, the Walgreens Flu Index continues to serve as an important reminder for people to take preventative measures, such as receiving a flu vaccine, to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from influenza throughout the flu season.

Now in its sixth season, the chain is launching the Walgreens Flu Index earlier – for the first time in October – so consumers can use the tool to view flu activity across markets no matter when it starts in their community, since each flu season is sure to be unpredictable. According to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting a flu shot every flu season. It takes about two weeks to develop the antibodies to fight the flu after getting your flu shot, meaning the best way to protect yourself and loved ones is to get it as soon as possible before it spreads in your community. So, what markets are starting to see flu activity heat up? Check them out below:

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
For the Week Ending 10/12/2019