Texas Cities Lead Flu Activity in December 2023

As national influenza rates increased post-Thanksgiving, according to the Walgreens Flu Index®'s latest report, the state of Texas is leading the nation in influenza activity.

As of December 9, 2023, the Index identified the leading cities using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide.

1. Lafayette, La.
2. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
3. Baton Rouge, La.
4. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
5. Montgomery-Selma, Ala.
6. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
7. Houston, Texas

Anita Patel, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy Service Development at Walgreens, commented in a press release on December 7, 2023, ".... practicing good respiratory etiquette are all important steps to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter, especially if you are feeling sick or planning to travel and gather for the holidays."

Testing is the best way to know for sure if you have a specific respiratory virus so you can take appropriate precautions and get the proper relief or treatment immediately.

Once you know your test results, your pharmacist can help you determine the best next steps and get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible, whether that's a prescription medicine or over-the-counter essentials to manage your symptoms, says Walgreens.

Furthermore, the U.S. CDC recommends getting an annual flu shot before gathering with friends and family this holiday season.

As of December 2, 2023, over 152 million flu vaccines (nasal, cell-based, egg-based) have been distributed in the U.S. and are available at most clinics and pharmacies.

The Walgreens Flu Index is not intended to illustrate levels or severity of flu activity but rather to illustrate which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of influenza.