While it’s now officially the new year, the 2019-2020 flu season rolls on and is gaining traction according to the December Walgreens Flu Index report. The December report shows increased activity compared to November and last season in most states and markets, with Nebraska and Tennessee leading with the most instances of flu. In many places, the flu seemed to spike around Thanksgiving and holiday travel times. Flu shots are still available and recommended.
Top 10 markets with flu activity for the month of December include:
1. Hattiesburg-Laurel, MS
2. San Angelo, TX
3. Odessa-Midland, TX
4. Jackson, TN
5. Amarillo, TX
6. Omaha, NE
7. Jonesboro, AR
8. Alexandria, LA
9. Oklahoma City, OK
10. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
Top 10 states with flu activity for the month of December include:
1. Nebraska
2. Tennessee
3. Texas
4. Virginia
5. Mississippi
6. New Mexico
7. Oklahoma
8. Kentucky
9. Louisiana
10. Alabama
Launched six flu seasons ago, the Walgreens Flu Index is an online, interactive tool to view flu activity across markets and states in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Each week, they analyze prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across thousands of Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide. In addition to the top markets and states, the Flu Index also ranks the markets and states experiencing the greatest gains in activity on a week-over-week basis.
A new feature of the Walgreens Flu Index for the 2019-2020 season allows you to see how current flu activity compares to last season. December data shows southern states are being hit the hardest with the widespread flu activity. Texas markets account for nearly half of those in the top 10 for flu activity. Index levels are significantly higher in Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Mississippi compared to this time last year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect against the flu is getting a flu shot every season, ideally before the flu starts to spread in a community. Flu season can extend into the spring season.
