October 19, 2021 – Walgreens reported that, to date, overall flu activity is 23% higher nationwide when compared to the 2020-2021 flu season.
During the week of Oct. 3, Las Vegas and Nevada topped the list of markets and states for flu activity. The company says that this may be attributed to Las Vegas being a top tourist destination in the U.S., as well as increased face-to-face interaction and reduced preventive measures in certain regions.
Several Texas communities topped the list, with southern markets showing the most widespread flu activity this season. This is consistent with trends seen over the last two flu seasons.
Walgreens says that currently, flu activity remains low compared to a normal flu season, but the Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a flu shot by the end of October and before flu spreads in local communities.
According to the CDC, while flu vaccine uptake has increased for adults over the past three flu seasons, lower vaccination rates are evident among Black and Hispanic adults.
Many southern regions showing incidences of flu also have large Black and Hispanic populations, communities that experience higher rates of flu hospitalization and are at higher risk for flu-related complications.
According to the Walgreens Flu Index, the top 10 states with flu activity are:
- Nevada
- Mississippi
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Tennessee
- Washington, D.C.
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana
- Alabama
- Alaska