Google searches reveal the spread of the flu bug
Influenza Virus - Photo CDC
If you found this page because you were searching Google using the “flu” as a keyword, it may be because you’re feeling under-the-weather.
In which case, you’re not alone.
Google reports that as flu season approaches more and more people search the web using key words related to influenza.
By tracking the trends, Google says, it is possible to accurately track the spread of the flu across the country.
A comparison with the data collected by Google with those collected by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention found they were a close match—except that Google’s method was one to two weeks faster.
According to Google, flu activity here in Washington State is “low”.
To learn more:
- Visit Google Flu Trends page where you can track the spread of the flu and check flu activity in your state.
Category: Infections, Lungs & Breathing, Public Health
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