Google.org, note the .org, not the .com, has created a tool to help detect flu trends and patterns. Take a look at the video below (click through to google.org to play it) and see how a search engine can actually detect a pattern faster than the government can.
This is a great tool for being cautious when flu season does come around and to make sure that you are protected and stay safe.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Very, very creative. Unfortunately, the reason people would be searching for flu terms on Google would be if they were already experiencing the symptoms.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:12 am
Agreed, but if you don’t already have it, this would be a good detection system to have so you can add prevention measures to your system to help keep you from getting it.
I got the flu last year and it has been over 10 years since I had gotten it, but I wasn’t aware of it being spread, so I hadn’t taken any precautions.