Walgreens Flu Index Tracks Four Consecutive Weeks of Increased Flu Activity
Latest data shows high levels of flu in most states, including significantly higher flu activity across the country when compared to the same time last year
The Walgreens Flu Index has tracked its fourth consecutive week of increasing flu activity, with most states across the country experiencing high levels of flu. Overall, U.S. flu activity over the last four weeks is significantly higher when compared to the same time last year – flu activity from the week ending February 8, 2025, was 204% higher compared to the week ending February 10, 2024.
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For 11 years, the Walgreens Flu Index has provided an early and accurate view of disease trends. The last four consecutive weeks of data have shown increasing flu activity across the U.S. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Walgreens Flu Index is an online, interactive tool that tracks weekly flu activity based on flu-related prescription data across the company's community pharmacy locations nationwide. Index data is updated every Tuesday and allows users to search by market or state to see where their geographic area ranks for flu activity. Data from the week ending February 8, 2025, shows the top five states with flu activity are Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas.
"What's most concerning is not the number of cases but the number of hospitalizations and outpatient visits that we are seeing," said Anita Pael, vice president of pharmacy services development at Walgreens. "I don't believe cases have peaked yet, so it's critical for people to remember to wash their hands frequently, and if you're feeling symptoms, get tested right away." If you know you have the flu, antiviral drugs can help to feel better faster but need to be started right away.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that this flu season is the most intense in 15 years. The percentage of flu-symptom-driven doctors' visits is higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010.1
Is it too late to get protected with a flu vaccine? As flu activity continues to increase across the country, it's not too late to get an annual flu shot. Getting vaccinated remains the best way to reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and doctor visits. Walgreens offers flu, and other routine vaccinations nationwide. * To schedule a vaccination appointment, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine. Walgreens offers flexible openings, including nights and weekends, and same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Vaccines are covered by most insurance plans.
What if I have symptoms and think I may have the flu? For individuals who are experiencing symptoms, Walgreens remains the one-stop-shop for all respiratory virus season needs. Walgreens offers a variety of convenient, low-cost options for flu testing, including an easy combination test for influenza A/B and COVID-19 with results in 30 minutes or less. At-home tests, along with over-the-counter medicine cabinet essentials, are available for delivery in as little as 1 hour. And for those who don't feel well enough to leave home, Walgreens offers a virtual healthcare service and Same Day Prescription Delivery.
As respiratory illness season evolves, Walgreens pharmacists remain one of the most accessible, trusted healthcare providers across communities. Individuals can talk to their Walgreens pharmacist to learn more about how they can stay safe and get the care they need, all season long.
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients' care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 5, ending February 1, 2025." February 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-05.html
*In some states, a prescription from a healthcare provider is required to receive an RSV vaccine at Walgreens.
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