Google Uses Searches to Track Flu’s Spread
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
Google Uses Searches to Track Flu’s Spread
Google Flu Trends is based on the simple idea that people who are feeling sick will probably turn to the Web for information, typing things like “flu symptoms” or “muscle aches” into Google. The service tracks such queries and charts their ebb and flow, broken down by regions and states.
http://www.google.org/flutrends/
Wow, what a great use for all of that search data. Of course, what am I supposed to do if I see it coming toward me? I can’t exactly move the house, leave the state.
Since getting flu shots yearly for the past eight years I’ve not had the flu once, nor has Anne and she works in a school where flu is rampant.
