Google using search terms to track the progress of flu across the USA

[rhythmaning]

On Google.org, "We've found that certain search terms are good indicators of flu activity. Google Flu Trends uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity in your state up to two weeks faster than traditional systems".

Curiously, Hawaii seems to have more flu infections than the mainland USA.

(via nimoloth.)

Comments

[fiendish-cat.livejournal.com]

I know someone whose mother died of pneumonia in Hawaii - I always found that rather incongruous - pneumonia seeming like a cold damp weather kind of a thing.

(Desperately sad as well of course)

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Incongrous, indeed.

Of course, infections are not necessarily related to the weather - but I think we all assume they can be.