'Google Flu Trends' Found to be Nearly On Par With CDC Surveillance Data

'Google Flu Trends' Found to be Nearly On Par With CDC Surveillance Data: "

Seasonal flu epidemics account for as many as half a million deaths worldwide each year. And the rapid spread of new strains can cause many more (the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic alone killed more than 16,000 people, according to the World Health Organization ). Quickly detecting a regional rise in flu-like symptoms such as coughs, sore throats or high fevers can help public health officials take steps to dampen the impact. However, it can take days--even weeks--for trends spotted in clinics to be reported more broadly. [More]"