# Online Flu Predictors The Columbia University Influenza Forecast Could Be Broadcasted on TV By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-31 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/columbia-university-influenza-forecast References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025365/find-out-when-youll-be-sick-with-the-first-online-flu-predictor) & [cpid.iri.columbia.edu](http://www.cpid.iri.columbia.edu/) Coming down with the flu isn't simple caused by cold weather, it comes often comes down to the interactions people have with others throughout a given day; the [Columbia University Influenza Forecast](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mental-wellness-app) arms visitors with the outbreak potential in their city, at least those residing in the United States. With this knowledge, people will be more aware of preventative measures such as washing their hands. Part of the Prediction of Infectious Disease program, the Columbia University Influenza Forecast was specifically created by scientists from the Mailman School of Public Health. Predicting the flu up to nine weeks in advance, it uses data from [Google Flu Trends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/health-acoustic-representations) and weekly [CDC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cvs-pharmacy-senior-days) infection rates. It is believed to become so accurately, it could eventually be broadcasted on television. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Online Flu Tracking:** Developing online tools that track flu outbreaks and provide real-time data to users presents an opportunity for the tech industry to create innovative and informative services. - **Predictive Disease Forecasting:** Using data analysis and machine learning models to forecast the spread of infectious diseases could be a disruptive innovation for the healthcare industry. - **Health Awareness Education:** Creating accessible and user-friendly platforms to educate the public on preventive healthcare measures has potential for startups and governments to use as a tool for public health education. ### Where This Applies - **Healthcare:** Implementing predictive analytics and data-driven technologies will revolutionize the way healthcare organizations approach infection prevention and treatment. - **Tech:** Online flu tracking and predictive disease forecasting present an opportunity for tech companies to innovate and provide better services to consumers. - **Media:** Broadcasting flu forecasts and other public health information on television is an opportunity for media companies to provide informative content to their audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Snowfall Predictors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/probabilistic-snowfall.md) - [In-App Mosquito Forecasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-app-mosquito-forecast.md) - [AI Weather Forecasting Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphcast.md) - [Global Snow Forecast Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/follow-the-snow-today.md) - [Three-in-One At-Home Health Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indicaid-covid19flu-ab-home-test.md) - [All-Natural Flu Care](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biovanta-and-levelup-md.md) - [Climate Forecasting Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/climachain.md) - [Molecular Diagnostic Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/covidflu-test.md) - [Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-weather.md)