Walgreens Flu Index: El Paso #1 in the nation for flu activity

The El Paso-Las Cruces area is ranked number one in the nation for the most flu activity, according to the weekly Walgreens Flu Index.

The data doesn’t measure the severity of the flu in the region, but it does mean the Borderland is experiencing the most incidents of influenza across the nation.

“This past week we have had 354 confirmed cases of the flu, compared to this time last year when we only had 74 cases,” said Shannon Jordan, the infection control manager with University Medical Center.

Jordan told ABC-7 El Paso is experiencing a spike in flu cases even though it is not yet peak flu season. “We know we will see a few more weeks of high flu activity,” Jordan said.

The National Weather Channel compiles a list of the most active spots to contract the flu virus, which include the following: airport, office, public restrooms, elevators/escalators, doctors office, restaurants, ATM locations, shopping centers, super markets, schools, home kitchens and public transportation.

“Germs are invisible, we can’t see them,” Jordan said. “They don’t have passports and they can go anywhere they want.”

When people sneeze or cough germs can be expelled up to three to six feet, Jordan said.

“If you are sick, stay home so other people don’t get it,” Jordan said. “You want to wash your hands, that is the number one thing that we can do to prevent the spread of infection.”

Jordan stresses washing your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds.