Index Helps Track Flu in the 2018-2019 Season

With flu activity on the rise in many parts of the country, Walgreens has launched its Flu Index™ for the 2018-2019 flu season. Now in its fifth season, the index is a weekly report ranking the top markets and states for flu activity in the United States, 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 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide.

In a statement about the index, Walgreens officials said that 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.