There’s one major flaw with Google Flu Trends, it doesn’t come in a Canadian version. So I went ahead and put one together here, daily updated charts and all. They are auto generated, so you will always get the most recent data.
For those who were wondering, Google Flu Trends is a search data tool that generates location-based search-trends statistics based on “Flu” related words. It can help to predict outbreaks of Flu (Influenza), giving everyone an early warning system that even precedes health agencies. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year from the Flu, so stay informed and be one step ahead.
Of course you shouldn’t rely on data alone, keeping good personal health and hygiene habits are helpful in avoiding infection too. And of course a vaccine flu shot certainly helps. However, these preventive measures are far from 100% reliable. If you get Influenza, you will be the most infective between the 2nd and 3rd days after infection, and your infectivity will last for around ten days. So try to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and carefully dispose of tissues etc.
NOTE:
The charts below are grouped by Canadian provinces. If an upper chart line is not visible, that means the search volume is lower than the minimum requirement for chart display. If you see a sudden spike in the chart for your area though, you should be extra careful around your classmates or coworkers.
Across Canada - Last 30 days *Auto Updated*
Across Canada - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Ontario - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Quebec - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
British Columbia - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Alberta - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Manitoba - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Saskatchewan - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Nova Scotia - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
New Brunswick - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Newfoundland - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Prince Edward Island - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Northwest Territories - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Yukon - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
Nunavut - Past 12 Months *Auto Updated*
There are many types of medicine, herbs, home-remedies and everything inbetween. But I believe the best way to avoid getting sick, is simply living life as happy as possible. *Bless you!*
Very interesting post. Just wondering, how long did this take to make?
And very nice, clean blog you got here
Mark´s last blog post: October 2008 NPD Numbers
Thanks Mark! This is actually version 2 of what I originally planned. I spent a few hours trying to do some crazy data mashups in Yahoo Pipes with charts created through Google Chart API. Then got stuck due to a limit of functionality in Yahoo Pipes. Could still do it but would take another few hours at least.
So I went with this version 2 which took me only about 1/3 of the time than I did with version 1. Still turned out pretty informational I think.
Excellent information!
Just wondering the source of the data. Is it from Google, or from a Canadian source?
Thanks!
Hi Kelly, you’re welcome, I’m glad it is of use to you. Actually a bit of both, it is from Google’s Canadian data. =)
Thanks for getting back to me.
One more question: What is the difference between the line entitled “Search Volume Index” and the one entitled “News Reference Volume”?
Thanks again!
No problem Kelly. The News Reference Volume is basically just the frequency of the topic found within the Google news network. The more articles on the subject, the higher that stat will be.
Side note:
From analyzing the charts, I have wondered whether the primary index is only partially affected by actual flu symptoms, but mostly affected by mainstream media. Reverse placebo effect.
Very interesting, thanks! I’d guess the spike in October is likely due to several province’s annual flu shot drivse.
and there’s a sharp spike in April 2009 too, due to the recent Swine Flu outbreak.