Just five moths ago, the Google Flu Trends tool revealed how it had the potential to avert future flu epidemics using real-time search data. Who knew it’s value would be tested so soon?

Swine flu and Google Flu Trends

28 April 2009

As we write, fifty-one cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the US, six in Canada, two in the UK and two in Spain.

Thousands, if not, millions are currently seeking out public information, advice and guidance, as news about the epidemic increases in volume and pitch.

As a result, a battalion of trusted government websites have lurched into action and are, as we speak pumping out up-to-the-minute information on swine flu infection levels and preventative measures.

Directgov, the government’s flagship portal, is offering valuable up-to-the-minute news bulletins on confirmed cases across Europe, while NHS Direct offers reassurance in the form of an interactive symptoms checker.

The potential scale of the swine flu outbreak is as yet unknown, but what is clear is that monitoring cases over the next few days will be critical in helping to prevent further infection.

One potential aid in the widescale monitoring of swine flu could be the relatively unknown Google Flu Trends tool - a tool which was set up last year to aid health agencies in predicting which locations might need flu vaccines, all using real-time search data.

The tool works by tracking search term activity such as ‘flu symptoms’ or ‘chest congestion’, then appllies them to a heat map to indicate trends.

With the potential to raise alerts on potential flu outbreaks up to two weeks in advance of existing public services, this is an advanced warning that could help health professionals better optimise the distribution of drugs across vast populations.

Get up-to-the-minute updates on swine flu via Directgov