Flu Season Intensives in South-Central USA

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently stated that 'seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the country.'

As of February 7, 2025, the CDC disclosed an unfortunate trend; ten additional influenza-associated pediatric fatalities were reported last week, bringing this year's total to 57.

During the last flu season, the CDC reported 207 children died from influenza infections.

From a geographic perspective, the Walgreens Flu Index has identified its leading markets for influenza-related activity. As of February 1, 2025, the leading Designated Market Areas with flu activity were:

1. Oklahoma City, Okla.
2. Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.
3. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
4. Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas
5. Jackson, Miss.
6. Knoxville, Tenn.
7. Tulsa, Okla.
8. Memphis, Tenn.
9. Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.
10. Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas

The CDC continues to encourage most people to get their annual flu shot at health clinics and pharmacies. The CDC stated that over 92 million flu shots had been distributed in the U.S., targeting the 2024-2025 flu season.

Note: The Walgreens Flu Index provides state—and market-specific information regarding flu activity. It is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The 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 flu.