Don't Go Where They've Got The Flu

January 16, 2009 at 10:30 AM | by BS | 0 Comments

The flu is coming! The flu is coming! We hate to be the ones to break the bad news, but the first cases of that winter bug have started showing up all over the country. Actually this year hasn't been so bad, as we're already relatively late in winter for the flu to start breaking out.

What does this have to do with travel, you ask? Well this winter, for the first time, you can embrace your inner hypochondriac and base your travel plans around where people do and don't have the flu. How? Through Google of course, the same people who control every other aspect of our lives.

Google Flu Trends tracks how many people are searching for queries like "flu symptoms" and compiles the data by zip code. Assuming most people searching for "flu symptoms" are sick or know someone who is, Google then tells us what parts of the country are experiencing major flu problems and what parts appear to be safe.

For example, we're currently in New Hampshire, where Google reports flu activity is "low." But this weekend we're headed down to DC for Barack's big show and the flu activity is... Moderate! Abort travel plans! Stay home!

There's even an iPhone app in case you forget to check before you hit the road.

Related Stories:
· Flu Trends [Google]
· Cold & Flu Companion Application for Mobile Phones [Zicam]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: petroleumjeliffe]

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Tags: Healthy Travel / Winter Travel / Google / → All Tags