Top 10 US Flu Hotspots: Louisiana, Texas

SHREVEPORT, LA - If you believe the numbers from one national drug store chain, Louisiana is dealing with high numbers of flu cases and it is not too late to get that flu shot. Puerto Rico is also included in the list of states on the Walgreens Flu Index and they land at #1 with Louisiana #2 on the list of states dealing with high rates of flu cases.

What Are the Top 5 States for flu cases?

1. Puerto Rico

2. Louisiana

3. Hawaii

4. Mississippi

5. Texas

But the Louisiana Department of Health says the numbers of flu cases is still categorized as "low".

"In Louisiana, during Week 39, 1.9% of patient visits reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like illness were due to influenza-like illness (ILI). This percentage is below the regional baseline of 3.9%.

The Walgreens Flu Index provides state and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat the flu.

Walgreens says "this Flu Index is not intended to illustrate levels or severity of flu activity, but rather, illustrate which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of flu."

Two Louisiana cities and four cities in Texas are on the list of the top 10 communities for flu activity.

What Cities Are in the Top 10 for Flu on the Index?

1. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas

2. Lafayette, La.

3. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas

4. Puerto Rico

5. New Orleans, La.

6. Houston, Texas

7. Honolulu, Hawaii

8. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

9. Montgomery-Selma, Ala.

10. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)