Weather Forecast Techniques Used to Predict Regional Flu Outbreaks

You take an umbrella when the weather forecast calls for rain, and one day you might take measures to protect your health when the forecast calls for flu in your area. Using a combination of data sets, computational simulations and techniques adapted from modern weather prediction, researchers developed a modeling system that retrospectively forecasted the dynamics of regional flu outbreaks on a week-to-week basis. If additional testing continues to show promise, the system could be a tool to prepare for and manage influenza outbreaks.
Source: NIGMS Biomedical Beat - Category: Research Source Type: news