The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report developed to provide state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranking of those experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country. With the ability to generate hyper-local data that's as specific as a single zip code, the Index aims to drive consumer awareness and prevention within communities, while also serving as a valuable resource for health departments, media and others at the local level.
In light of new data that shows the 2014-2015 flu season could be severe, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging immediate influenza vaccination for all unvaccinated individuals, as well as prompt antiviral drug treatment for those who develop flu and have a high risk of complications.
In support of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Rite Aid is reducing the price of flu shots by $5 to encourage people who have not yet received their annual flu shot to get vaccinated. From now through December 13, flu shots will be available from Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists at Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide at a reduced price of only $26.99*, subject to state regulations. Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.
With flu activity just beginning to rise in many parts of the U.S. in the midst of the busy holiday travel season, Walgreens today introduced its new Flu Index " a weekly report providing state- and market-specific information regarding influenza to help identify areas where flu cases may be escalating. The Index ranks markets and states experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country, as well as those showing the largest increases week-over-week.
Certain flu virus subtypes have more potential to cause severe illness than others, according to a new study published in mBio. For that reason, avian influenza viruses that express the more dangerous subtypes should be monitored closely to prevent the spread of severe disease.
During cold and flu season, working women turn to pharmacies whenever symptoms appear, according to the results of a recent study conducted by Workplace Impact.
The FDA has expanded its approval of Protein Sciences Corp's Flublok influenza vaccine to cover patients aged 50 years and older, thus permitting its use in all adults.
More than 1000 cases of enterovirus D68 have now been reported across 47 states.
Tracking influenza vaccination among health care personnel through an automated system enhances their immunization compliance while reducing their administrative burden.
Two leading experts, Steve Oberste, PhD, chief of the Polio and Picornavirus Laboratory Branch at the Centers for Disease Control in Bethesda, MD, and Rafal Tokarz, PhD, of the Center for Infection & Immunity at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University weigh in on the outbreak's source.
Nearly 700 children across 46 states are now infected with the severe respiratory illness.
The child showed no symptoms of the virus prior to his death.
Tests that may help health care professionals diagnose influenza more quickly and accurately have received support from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
In many cases, children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years should receive 2 doses of the influenza vaccine separated by a minimum of 4 weeks.
Influenza boosts the ability of pneumococci to cause middle ear and throat infections.
Officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging all Americans aged 6 months and older to receive flu shots for the impending influenza season.
