Walgreens 2016-2017 Flu Index Released, Puerto Rico Comes in at Number One

Walgreens’ first Flu Index for the 2016-2017 season has been launched for the third year in a row, this time including Puerto Rico, according to apress release.

The Flu Index is a weekly report ranking the top markets and states for flu activity. It’s compiled using weekly retail prescription data for antiretroviral medications that treat influenza from Walgreens across the United States and in Puerto Rico.

Additionally, the index ranks those with the greatest gains on a weekly basis, according to the release.

“Whilefluactivity remains relatively low across most of the US, our data suggests a gradual increase in incidences of flu in a growing number of markets,” said Richard Ashworth, president of Pharmacy and Retail Operations at Walgreens. “Even with a slower start to flu season, the Flu Index helps health officials, media, and consumers stay informed about the flu in their local community.”

The Flu Index’s goal is to show which populations within the United States and Puerto Rico are experiencing the highest incidents of influenza on a weekly basis, rather than illustrating levels or severity of flu activity, according to the release.

Data for the index are analyzed at both state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, reported the press release. This does not include markets where Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations.

As of December 11, 2016, Puerto Rico and Reno, NV, top the list for flu activity.

Top 10 Designated Market Areas with Flu Activity:

1. Puerto Rico
2. Reno, NV
3. Lafayette, LA
4. Monterey-Salinas, CA
5. Honolulu, HI
6. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, TX
7. Miami-FT. Lauderdale, FL
8. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
9. Oklahoma City, OK
10. Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, MS