Google is attempting to do their part in tracking flu outbreaks by keeping tabs on where folks are entering searches for ‘flu symptoms’ and other key phrases into their search engine.

According to The New York Times, Google may be able to better track outbreaks . . .

“In early February, for example, the C.D.C. reported that the flu had recently spiked in the mid-Atlantic states. But Google says its search data show a spike in queries about flu symptoms two weeks before that report came out. Its new service at google.org/flutrends analyzes those searches as they come in, creating graphs and maps of the country that, ideally, will show where the flu is spreading.”

Read the whole article by clicking here, or check out Google’s Flu Trends page by clicking here.