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Google Tool Helps Feds Track Spread Of Flu

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Nov 12, 2008 3:00 pm US/Central

Google Tool Helps Feds Track Spread Of Flu

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Cali. (CBS News) ― Google is launching a new tool to help health experts track the annual flu epidemic.

Google Flu Trends uses search terms people enter into the search engine to determine where the influenza hot spots are. Google's system will alert the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in real time.

The CDC's current system relies on lab tests and doctors who report the number of patients with flu-like symptoms. CDC's surveillance data is typically lags about two weeks behind.

Google's new tool will track flu activity in near real time and could be used as an early warning system. The CDC could then use the data to spread the word to hospitals, clinics and doctors offices so they can stock up on flu tests, antiviral drugs and antibiotics.

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