Which Cities Have Flu Cases

While the U.S. CDC reports a continued decrease in influenza cases during the tail end of the 2024-2025 flu season, several cities are treating patients impacted by this respiratory disease.

According to the Wlagreens Flu Index®, the first week to show an increase in flu activity was the week ending on January 18, 2025.

Currently, the top ten cities treating people for the flu are:

1. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas.
2. New Orleans, La.
3. Baton Rouge, La.
4. Lafayette, La.
5. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
6. Chicago, Ill.
7. Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown, Md.)
8. Houston, Texas.
9. Knoxville, Tenn.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii.

For 11 years, the Walgreens Flu Index has provided an early and accurate view of disease trends. The Index offers detailed insights into flu activity across different markets.

This Index is based on retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza at Walgreens locations nationwide. It is designed not to indicate the overall levels or severity of flu activity, but rather to highlight which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of influenza.

As of April 6, 2025, the CDC recommends flu shots for people at risk for this severe disease, especially for children. Unfortunately, there have been 168 influenza-associated deaths this flu season.

Flu shots remain available at most pharmacies throughout the United States.