Walgreens Flu Index shows flu activity is up 23 percent compared to last flu season as people return to more in-person activities Walgreens announced in release that they have launched its Walgreens Flu Index for the 2021-2022 season to help communities track flu activity in their area and serve as a reminder to get an annual flu shot. Returning for its eighth season, the Walgreens Flu Index shows that to date, overall flu activity is 23% higher nationwide when compared to the 2020-2021 flu season.
During the week of Oct. 3, Las Vegas and Nevada topped the list of markets and states for flu activity. This may be attributed to Las Vegas being a top tourist destination in the U.S., as well as increased face-to-face interaction and reduced preventive measures in certain regions. Several Texas communities topped the list, with southern markets showing the most widespread flu activity this season. This is consistent with trends seen over the last two flu seasons.
It’s early in the flu season, and flu activity remains low compared to a normal flu season, but the Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a flu shot by the end of October and before flu spreads in local communities.
According to the CDC, while flu vaccine uptake has increased for adults over the past three flu seasons, lower vaccination rates are evident among Black and Hispanic adults.1 Many southern regions showing incidences of flu also have large Black and Hispanic populations,2 communities that experience higher rates of flu hospitalization3 and are at higher risk for flu-related complications.4 The Walgreens Flu Index underscores that some of the communities hardest hit by flu are also the most vulnerable.
Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
1. Las Vegas
2. El Paso, Texas
3. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
4. Tyler-Longview, Texas
5. Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
6. Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.
7. Knoxville, Tenn.
8. Corpus Christi, Texas
9. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
10. Youngstown, Ohio
Top 10 States with Flu Activity
1. Nevada
2. Mississippi
3. Texas
4. New Mexico
5. Tennessee
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Oklahoma
8. Louisiana
9. Alabama
10. Alaska
