DEERFIELD, Ill. – May 26, 2017 – 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 aggregate prescription data from October 2016 through April 2017.
The states with the highest rates of influenza, according to the Index, were Oklahoma, Texas and North Carolina. The top markets for flu activity included Brownsville, Texas; Corpus Christi, Texas and Lafayette, La. Conversely, the state with the least amount of flu activity based on the Index was Maine, and Albany, N.Y. was the market with least activity.
The Walgreens Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology. The data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity.
To view the 2016-2017 season-ending Walgreens Flu Index, maps and other online features, click here.
Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
Top 10 States with Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
“Bottom 10” Shows States and Markets with Least Amount of Influenza Activity
In addition to the top states and markets for activity, the season-ending Index also shows the bottom 10, suggesting successful prevention efforts in preparation for, and during flu season in these communities, which experienced the lowest levels of influenza.
Markets with the Least Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
States with the Least Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
Methodology
The Walgreens Flu Index™ is compiled using weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The data is analyzed at state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, and does not include markets in which Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations.
© Copyright Walgreen Co. 2017. All rights reserved
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation's largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.
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The states with the highest rates of influenza, according to the Index, were Oklahoma, Texas and North Carolina. The top markets for flu activity included Brownsville, Texas; Corpus Christi, Texas and Lafayette, La. Conversely, the state with the least amount of flu activity based on the Index was Maine, and Albany, N.Y. was the market with least activity.
The Walgreens Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology. The data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity.
To view the 2016-2017 season-ending Walgreens Flu Index, maps and other online features, click here.
Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
- Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Lafayette, La.
- Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas
- Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Greensboro-High Point-Winston Salem, N.C.
- Shreveport, La.
- El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
- Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
Top 10 States with Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- North Carolina
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- South Carolina
“Bottom 10” Shows States and Markets with Least Amount of Influenza Activity
In addition to the top states and markets for activity, the season-ending Index also shows the bottom 10, suggesting successful prevention efforts in preparation for, and during flu season in these communities, which experienced the lowest levels of influenza.
Markets with the Least Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, N.Y.
- Rochester, N.Y.
- Tucson (Sierra Vista), Ariz.
- Buffalo, N.Y.
- Toledo, Ohio
- Portland, Ore.
- Phoenix (Prescott), Ariz.
- Palm Springs, Calif.
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, Wash.
States with the Least Flu Activity
Aggregate data from October 2016 through April 2017
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Pennsylvania
- California
- Washington
- Ohio
- Massachusetts
Methodology
The Walgreens Flu Index™ is compiled using weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The data is analyzed at state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, and does not include markets in which Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations.
© Copyright Walgreen Co. 2017. All rights reserved
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation's largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.
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