Walgreens Flu Index for Week of January 31, 2016

PRESS RELEASE

DEERFIELD, Ill., February 04, 2016 - While flu activity remains relatively low across most of the U.S., The Walgreens Flu Index™ data is tracking increased flu activity in the South and Midwest regions. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they expect flu activity to peak in the coming weeks and recommend everyone over the age of six months get their flu vaccination now, as it takes up to two weeks to build up full immunity following a flu shot. Flu season most often peaks in February in the U.S.

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The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report developed to provide state- and market-specific information, and ranking of those experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country. The Flu Index does not provide data measuring actual levels or severity of flu activity, but rather, illustrates which populations are experiencing the most incidences each week based on Index methodology.

With the ability to generate hyper-local data across most U.S. markets, the Flu Index is an online, interactive resource allowing anyone to search and find information regarding the most current state of influenza in their community.

To view this week’s Walgreens Flu Index, maps and other online features, click here.

Top Ten DMAs with Flu Activity

Week of 1/31/2016

• Harlingen — Weslaco-Brownsville – McAllen, Texas
• Tallahassee, Fla. — Thomasville, Ga.
• El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
• Tucson (Sierra Vista), Ariz.
• Miami — Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
• Phoenix (Prescott), Ariz.
• Las Vegas, Nev.
• Oklahoma City, Okla.
• Beaumont — Port Arthur, Texas
• Dallas — Ft. Worth, Texas

Top Ten States with Flu Activity

Week of 1/31/2016

• Arizona
• Nevada
• Texas
• Florida
• Oklahoma
• Wyoming
• Utah
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii

Top Ten DMAs Flu Activity Gains

Week of 1/31/2016

• Tallahassee, Fla. — Thomasville, Ga.
• Harlingen — Weslaco – Brownsville – McAllen, Texas
• El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
• Tucson (Sierra Vista), Ariz.
• Memphis, Tenn.
• Joplin, Mo. — Pittsburg, Kan.
• Phoenix (Prescott), Ariz.
• Myrtle Beach — Florence, S.C.
• Orlando — Daytona Beach – Melbourne, Fla.
• Monterey — Salinas, Calif.

Top Ten States Flu Activity Gains

Week of 1/31/2016

• Arizona
• Wyoming
• Utah
• Alaska
• Texas
• Florida
• Oklahoma
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Tennessee

Methodology

The Walgreens Flu Index™ is compiled using weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The data is analyzed at state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, and does not include markets in which Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations.

For more on the Walgreens Flu Index visit http://arcg.is/1HA3vGp.