DEERFIELD, Ill. — With holiday travel around the corner and flu activity on the rise in many parts of the country, Walgreens has launched its first Flu Index for the 2018-2019 flu season. The Walgreens Flu Index, now in its fifth season, is a weekly report ranking the top markets and states for flu activity in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. It also ranks the top markets and states showing the largest increases in activity week over week.

Developed as a timely, local resource for consumers, health officials and the media to track flu activity in their community, the Walgreens Flu Index is compiled using the drugstore chain’s retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across thousands of Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide. It continues to serve as an important reminder to take preventive measures, such as receiving a flu shot, to stay healthy throughout the flu season.

The weekly report is also available through an online, interactive map, which allows anyone to search and find information regarding the most current state of influenza in their community. To view this week’s map, click here.

Top 10 DMAs* with Flu Activity
Week of 12/08/2018

1. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
2. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
3. Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
4. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
5. Puerto Rico
6. Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.
7. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
8. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
9. Monterey-Salinas, Calif.
10. Houston, Texas

Top 10 States with Flu Activity
Week of 12/08/2018

1. Puerto Rico
2. Texas
3. Tennessee
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. Nebraska
7. New Mexico
8. Kentucky
9. Wyoming
10. Alabama

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity Gains
Week of 12/08/2018

1. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
2. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
3. Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
4. Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.
5. Puerto Rico
6. Monroe, La.-El Dorado, Ark.
7. Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, Wash.
8. Monterey-Salinas, Calif.
9. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
10. Lansing, Mich.

Top 10 States with Flu Activity Gains
Week of 12/08/2018

1. Puerto Rico
2. Nebraska
3. Wyoming
4. Colorado
5. New Mexico
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Tennessee
9. South Carolina
10. Texas

*Designated Market Area