Google Transforms free data into Cold

As soon as the leaves fall from the trees the inevitable virus starts to spread. Symptoms are often the same, head-aches, coughs, fevers, sore throats and muscular pains. Google noticed an increase in the use of search terms for flu related symptoms. The data directly related to known areas and the results were in real time as the searches were taking place while someone was ill. This has given rise to Google creating an early warning system which actually tracks the spread of flu outbreaks across the USA. The system is called Google Flu Trends.

Tests of the new system by the Google’s Philanthropy unit have so far suggested that the system may be able to detect regional outbreaks 7 to 10 days before they are reported, allowing the vulnerable and weak to be inoculated before the levels of risk become too high. This could really save lives and stop the spread of disease.