The results of millions of Google searches are used to map and estimate Flu activity around the world. This map compares data in United States (yellow) with the Google search trends (blue). Use the interactive map on the Google Flu Trends website to examine flu related searches in your continent, country, or state. And remember […]
Epidemiologists use surveillance use sampling data to understand the current and past prevalence of diseases. Hospital charting data, real time case reports, or over-the-counter and prescription medication sales could be used to determine disease patterns. Periodically, during the 2008-09 flu season I have visited the Google Flu Trends website. The site states, “We’ve found that […]