Google Flu Trends using Google search data
Have you seen the new Google Flu Trends that uses aggregated Google search data? I am preparing to leave for Christmas and was curious to see if a flu was going around.
Good News! United States flu activity: 
Low
New Jersey flu activity: Low
Google Flu Trends uses Google search data to estimate flu activity in your state up to two weeks faster than traditional flu systems. You can put in your zip code or choose your state and will give you a good estimation on what’s happening in your area. Each week, millions of users around the world search for online health information. There are more flu-related searches during flu season, more allergy-related searches during allergy season, and more sunburn-related searches during the summer. You can explore all of these phenomena using Google Trends.
But can search query trends provide an accurate, reliable model of real-world phenomena?
YES
About the Author: Michael Vorel is CEO and founder of Vastplanet Corporation, specializing in e-Commerce Web Development, Internet Marketing and Management Consulting for top brands since 1998. He has expertise in affiliate marketing and affiliate management, Yahoo Store e-commerce web design, social media, video, ppc, seo, sem, email marketing and competitive analysis. Based in Tampa, Florida, he is a member of the Affiliate Summit Advisory Board, Authorized Yahoo Store Developer and recently helped with the formation of the Performance Marketing Association. He enjoys a coffee, wine, gadgets and enjoying life. You can find him on Twitter at @michaelvorel, @vastplanet and @projectgadget
Bonuses | Dec 16, 2009 | Reply
That was very interesting information. Google Flu keyword to Swine Flu keyword. That might get some searches online.
Cool.