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Reported by: Dan Reynolds Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 @05:00pm EDT Here's a site you'll want to bookmark: Google's Public Flu Trends System .
It's designed to pick up early clues about the flu. It does this by tracking and analyzing Internet searches for flu information from around the world. Many of us search for information on the web before going to a doctor. Google says Flu Trends can provide early notice of trouble. There are maps and data by countries and states. Then there's Health Map . It constantly hunts the web for flu and infectious disease information. The cases are reported in real time over a world map that updates as you watch. It even has a neat application called "Outbreaks Near Me." This can alert you to illnesses nearby, by message to your cellphone. Finally, there's the official Centers for Disease Control website. It regularly issues updated flu surveillance reports. Also, useful tips on how to diagnose the illness and how to prevent it. (Sign up for the WTWO Facebook page. Click on Community to start. Also sign up for RSS feeds of news, weather and sports. Both are free.) |