South-Central Leads Flu Activity in 2024

The Walgreens Flu Index recently identified the top 10 areas in the United States with influenza activity.

As of December 21, 2024, these unfortunate leaders are located in the southern section of the central U.S.:

1. Birmingham (Anniston and Tuscaloosa), Ala.,
2. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas,
3. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas,
4. Monroe, La.-El Dorado, Ark.,
5. Huntsville-Decatur (Florence), Ala.,
6. Knoxville, Tenn.,
7. New Orleans, La.,
8. Jackson, Miss.,
9. Nashville, Tenn.
10. Shreveport, La.

Walgreens's Flu Index is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The Flu Index illustrates which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of flu.

Seperately, the U.S. CDC published Key Updates for Week 51, ending December 21, 2024. 

Nationally, the percentage of influenza positivity, the percentage of emergency department visits for flu, the rate of outpatient visits for respiratory illness, and influenza-associated hospitalizations increased this week compared to last week.

And 5 pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza virus infection were reported this week, bringing the 2024-2025 flu season total to nine pediatric deaths. Last flu season, 206 pediatric deaths were related to influenza.

This flu season, there is an ample supply of influenza vaccines at local pharmacies; over 92 million flu shots have been distributed in the U.S., targeting the 2024-2025 flu season.