This map of Texas explains why everyone you know has the flu

Walgreens customer data shows that Texas is first in the nation for flu activity.

>> See 10 tips for preventing the flu...

>> See 10 tips for preventing the flu... Walgreens customer data shows that Texas is first in the nation for flu activity. Photo: Walgreens Photo: Walgreens Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close This map of Texas explains why everyone you know has the flu 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

Sneezing and coughing have characterized this Holiday season, but that's no coincidence.

Texas is first in the nation for flu activity, the latest data from Walgreens shows.

Using retail prescription sales for antiviral medication, the pharmacy giant regularly compiles an index showing areas across the U.S. with the highest occurrences of influenza.

Last week, Texas took first place, followed by Arkansas and Tennessee.

Looking at individual regions, east Texas propelled the Lone Star State to the top of the flu activity rankings.

EXPLAINED: Flu hit Texas early and hard, but there's time to get vaccinated, CDC says

The Houston-Woodlands region ranked fourth in the nation for flu activity, with most of east and south Texas taking the top spots.

Overall, the top ten regions in the country for flu activity were as followed:

1. Tyler-Longview(Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas

2. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas

3. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas

4. Houston, Texas

5. Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas

6. Corpus Christi, Texas

7. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas

8. Little Rock-Pine Bluff, Ark.

9. San Antonio, Texas

10. Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.

You can view a more detailed and interactive version of the map here.

Above: See ten tips for preventing the flu.

Fernando Ramirez is a reporter for Chron.com and the Houston Chronicle. You can read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93.