Google.org has found that certain search terms are good indicators of flu activity. Google Flu Trends uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity.  Google’s estimates are amazingly consistent with World Health Organization data.

To see an interactive map, and for more information about Google Flu Trends, click on the graphic below.

Also, Google has announced a new feature of Maps that will allow users in the United States to find flu vaccines near them. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Lung Association, and Flu.gov, Google Maps is now helping users search for seasonal flu vaccination locations, H1N1 flu shots, or both together. See Flu Shot Finder.

Project managers Roni Zeiger, M.D., and Jennifer Haroon wrote on the official Google blog,

“Especially given slower than expected vaccine production, we think it’s important to bring together flu shot information in a coherent manner. We’ve been working with HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local health agencies to gather information on flu vaccine locations across the country, particularly for the H1N1 flu vaccine (both the nasal-spray vaccine and the shot).”

Google has gathered information about locations of flu vaccine shots from 20 states in the U.S.  Google is also collecting information from chain pharmacies and other vaccine providers in all 50 states.  Currently, users can find vaccine shots available from retail chains such as Walgreen’s, CVS, Kmart, and WinnDixie.

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