Google web searches can help predict Covid hotspots: Study

By analysing Google web searches for keywords related to Covid19 researchers have said that webbased analytics have demonstrated their value in predicting the spread of the infectious diseaseAccording to the study published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings Strong correlations were found between keyword searches on the internet search engine Google Trends and Covid19 outbreaks in parts of the USThese correlations were observed up to 16 days prior to the first reported cases in some statesOur study demonstrates that there is information present in Google Trends that precedes outbreaks and with predictive analysis this data can be used for better allocating resources with regards to testing personal protective equipment medications and more said study author Mohamad Bydon from Mayo Clinic a health care company in the USLooking at Google Trends data we found that we were able to identify predictors of hotspots using keywords that would emerge over a sixweek timeline Bydon addedSeveral studies have noted the role of internet surveillance in early prediction of previous outbreaks such as H1N1 and Middle East respiratory syndromeThere are several benefits to using internet surveillance methods versus traditional methods and this study says a combination of the two methods is likely the key to effective surveillanceThe study searched for 10 keywords that were chosen based on how commonly they were used and emerging patterns on the internet and in Google News at that timeThe keywords were Covid symptoms Coronavirus symptoms sore throat shortness of breathfatiguecough coronavirus testing centre loss of smell antibody face mask and moreMost of the keywords had moderate to strong correlations days before the first Covid19 cases were reported in specific areas with diminishing correlations following the first caseEach of these keywords had varying strengths of correlation with case numbers said BydonIf we had looked at 100 keywords we may have found even stronger correlations to cases As the pandemic progresses people will search for new and different information so the search terms also need to evolve Bydon addedThe use of web search surveillance data is important as an adjunct for data science teams who are attempting to predict outbreaks and new hotspots in a pandemicAny delay in information could lead to missed opportunities to improve preparedness for an outbreak in a certain location the authors notedKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever