Colder weather often means the beginning of cold and flu season. Each year, millions of people across the globe are stricken with influenza. Many people often search online for health and illness information when sickness strikes. From allergies and colds to flu and diseases, the Internet provides a plethora of health-related information for consumers.
Online Flu Trackers
The following websites provide influenza tracking information for computer users, free of charge.
Google Flu Trends – Google believes there is a definite relationship between the number of online flu-related web searches and actual illnesses. By tracking the amount of influenza web queries, Google found a pattern between searches and actual illnesses by comparing the information to the Center of Disease and Prevention (CDC).
Google can quickly and automatically count the flu searches and provide the up-to-date information daily whereas traditional reporting generally takes longer. The information gleaned from health-related web searches can now estimate the amount of influenza in the USA more quickly than traditional methods, rather than waiting on information provided from physicians and other methods used in the past.
- Information is viewable by map or by graph.
- Currently, the information provided by Flu Trends is applicable for the USA. Other countries may be added at a later time.
- Trends are listed by flu activity levels, including Minimal, Low, Moderate, High or Intense.
- Flu information can be viewed on the Flu Trends site or can be downloaded for later viewing.
- Flu Trends estimates are updated each day.
- Weekly trends begin each Saturday.
- Users can search by state.
FluStar – Provides updated information for the United States
- Users can find local information or national information.
- Flu information is reported by High, Moderate or Low trends.
- Other flu information is also provided on Flustar, including influenza symptoms, treatments, news and reports.
FluWatch – The National Flu Surveillance Network identifies, tracks, monitors and reports flu trends. Doctors across the country report flu outbreaks and the information is compiled.
- Information is searchable by map, zip code and city.
- Users can request email alerts.
FluView– The Centers of Disease and Prevention provides this information for consumers. Information includes regional and national data.
- A variety of flu-related information is provided.
- Information is updated weekly.
- An online map provides the geographic spread and does not measure the severity of influenza activity.
- Information can be viewed online or downloaded for later viewing.
Online health and well-being resources provide a wealth of information for computer users everywhere. The websites listed above provide valuable information for individuals, parents and families concerned about influenza outbreaks and trends.
