Flu season is getting a head start in New Jersey, with early state numbers aligning with nationwide data showing illness is hitting everyone in offices and schools earlier, harder, and faster. Nationally, people are dealing with symptoms about four weeks earlier than in recent flu seasons, and scientists report the latest mutation is hitting young people especially hard.
The flu is hitting parts of the U.S. earlier than in the last five years, with upticks seen in late August to early September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone in the U.S. aged 6 months and older by the end of October.
Flu and vaccination rates have declined since COVID-19, according to reports. As virologists work to understand dominant strains and new flu mutations, experts advise that vaccination is an important way to protect yourself throughout the season.
Flu Index By Walgreens
Walgreens recently launched an interactive online tool that updates weekly on Mondays and tracks flu, COVID-19, and nationwide acute respiratory illness activity.
The Flu Index provides state- and county-level insights from multiple sources, including Walgreens flu and COVID-19 testing data, prescription antiviral sales, and over-the-counter cold and flu purchasing trends. Early data point to a flu season already underway, earlier than in recent years, Walgreens said in a press release on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Staying Protected This Flu Season
As flu activity continues to evolve, vaccination remains an important way to protect yourself throughout the season. Flu vaccines are updated each year to protect against the strains expected to spread.
“Flu activity can vary significantly from one community to another, and knowing what’s happening locally can make a real difference,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens chief pharmacy & enterprise external affairs officer. “The Walgreens Flu Index gives people timely information to make informed decisions about prevention, including getting vaccinated before flu becomes more widespread in their community.”
Many Options
Walgreens offers several flu vaccine options, including standard-dose vaccines, higher-dose vaccines recommended by the CDC for patients 65 and older, and the new mRNA flu vaccine at select locations. Patients can walk into a local Walgreens pharmacy or schedule for up to four patients in advance at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, by texting “Flu” to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.2
Walgreens is also investing in a more convenient vaccination experience this season by increasing pharmacy staffing, expanding appointment availability, and allowing patients to schedule further in advance.
Perks, Rewards
As a myWalgreens® member, patients who get a vaccine at Walgreens can earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on their next eligible in-store purchase of $5 or more. myWalgreens® member patients also receive 10% back in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases for the next 30 days.3
Beyond vaccination, Walgreens pharmacists can help patients navigate flu season and identify options to manage common symptoms if illness strikes. Keeping cold and flu supplies on hand, such as Severe Cold & Flu Caplets, Honey Lemon Cough Drops, Sugar Free Hydration Plus Electrolyte Drink Mix and Vitamin C, can also make it easier to care for yourself and loved ones.
What is the Walgreens Flu Index?
The Walgreens Flu Index is an interactive online tool that tracks flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide. The map, updated every Monday, shows current levels of flu, COVID-19, and overall acute respiratory illness activity relative to an annual baseline.
The Flu Index uses multiple sources, including Walgreens flu and COVID-19 testing data, prescription antivirals, and over-the-counter cold and flu purchasing trends, to calculate a score from 0 (lowest activity) to 10 (highest activity). Scores are calculated weekly for each state/territory and over 1,500 counties.
Users can view national activity or search by state to see where their geographic area ranks in any given week and how current activity compares to last season. The Flu Index is not intended to illustrate flu severity, but to show where flu activity is occurring and how it changes over time, helping community members, media, healthcare providers, and health officials make informed decisions.
