Today, a New York Times Tech article outlined Google.org’s use of its Web-based search to track the spread of the flu in the U.S. Many times people, upon feeling ill, Google search phrases such as “flu symptoms.” A simple task on the end-user’s behalf has led to Google Flu Trends, a site created by the Google.org philanthropy unit. The Web tool takes flu search queries, ties them to regions based on the searchee’s location, and then creates pretty little charts based on regional data and the number of flu-phrase searches. Upon first glance and initial click, a site visitor can see the flu activity in her state and compare that to the rest of the country.

Search results today of Google Flu Tracker, (Image courtesy of Google.com)

Google “Trending” is not new. You can go to Google Trends page to see the “hotness” of a search topic and see whether it has spiked in searches recently. Google Flu Tracker, however, is the most service-based of all the trends. Wouldn’t it be nice to know if within the past few days the state you live in has seen a high increase in cases of the flu? Aside from the consumer benefits, just think of what this could do for healthcare facilties. Or even pharmacies and drug stores. See that flu activity in Maine has risen from Low to Moderate within a day? What an opportunity for TheraFlu to swoop in with in-store specials at all the Wal-greens stores in Maine.

I was excited about this service provided by Google. I’m used to looking to Google for answers, but this really takes it to the next level.  Looks like I wasn’t the only one excited about the news. According to Google Trends, Flu Tracker is number 5 on the “Hot Level.”

My question now is… What’s next?