Abstract
The number of Internet searches has recently been used by Google to estimate the influenza incidence in the United States. We examined the correlation between the Google Flu Trends tool and sentinel networks estimates in several European countries during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and found a good correlation between estimates and peak incidence timing, with the highest peaks in countries where Internet is most frequently used for health-related searching. Although somehow limited, Google could be a valuable tool for syndromic surveillance.
Highlights
On 21 April 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the media regarding the isolation of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus from humans
The majority of the European countries reported the weekly incidence of influenzalike illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) through this system [2]
In this report we aim to examine the correlation between Google Flu Trends (GFT) and sentinel physician networks (SPNs) incidence estimates in different European countries during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, i.e. both before and during the influenza season
Summary
On 21 April 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the media regarding the isolation of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus from humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) made the unprecedented decision to announce a level 4 pandemic alert on 27 April, raising it to level 6 on 11 June given the strong and sustained transmission of the virus around the world [1]. The majority of the European countries reported the weekly incidence of influenzalike illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) through this system [2]. Such networks allow the rapid and precise collection of information, the average delay between receiving it and its dissemination via epidemiological surveillance websites is about two weeks [3]. These problems have led to investigations into the use of alternative surveillance systems capable of registering more cases in the earlier stages of epidemics, such as recording the number of absentees from work or school, the demand for medications, or the use of Internet surveys [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
