Walgreen unveils a flu index

Walgreen Co. has launched a flu index based on weekly prescription data from its pharmacies.

The Deerfield company said its index will show cities and states experiencing the highest number of flu cases as well as the largest week-to-week increases.

“There’s a growing need for timely information and reliable data sources throughout the flu season, and this weekly report can help alert health officials and the public in areas where flu activity is trending the most,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreen president of retail and pharmacy operations.

Top Ten Cities

1. Brownsville, Texas
2. New Orleans
3. Tallahassee, Fla.
4. Houston
5. Dallas-Fort Worth
6. Baton Rouge, La.
7. Chattanooga, Tenn.
8. St. Louis
9. Miami-Fort Lauderdale
10. Jackson, Miss.

Top Ten States

1. Louisiana
2. Texas
3. Mississippi
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Florida
7. Illinois
8. Missouri
9. Tennessee
10. Kentucky