Thursday, February 7, 2013

There's an app for that: Finding the Facebook friend who gave you the flu

Image Source: guardian.co.uk
 
















When they called it the “common cold,” they certainly weren’t kidding. The new year brings about drastic temperature changes nationwide and, along with it, the flu season. Preventing a subscription to the recent bout of influenza requires more than just getting a flu shot. Now that we’re in the mobile age, flu prevention has got its own app, too.


Part of preventing illness is staying away from the causes. A new Facebook app called "Help, I have the flu" determines which friends in one’s social network are likely sources of flu contamination. Then the app warns users to stay away from these friends to prevent them from catching the flu themselves.



Image Source: mainetoday.com
 























Contrary to Facebook’s reputation for violating user privacy, this information is not obtained in an invasive manner. Instead, the app’s algorithms scan friends’ recent posts for evidence of flu-like symptoms. If any friends have reported sneezing, coughing, or generally feeling ill, they will appear on the app’s watch list, which serves as a warning to the user. True to what friends are for, the app allows users to send potentially infected friends discounts for flu medication. Should the user still contract the flu, there’s a handy list of sources (or people) to blame.



Apps for the flu season
 

Image Source: pediatrics.about.com


























Flu prevention is no new precautionary measure, but an increasing number of mobile apps are aiming to expand its clout. Cross-country travelers can check The Center for Disease Control and Prevention app for the flu situation at their destination and bring medication, if necessary. Those who suffer symptoms but don’t appear to have the flu can consult Cures A-Z for some home diagnosis. While the best flu prevention is still medication and immediate consultation, mobile apps make it easier for individuals to detect potential risk and take the initiative to prevent further infection.



Mobile apps have helped the healthcare industry reach people in need at incredible speed. Former hospital administrator Terry Lambert, formerly of (Emporia), has insights on the advances in the healthcare industry that may be found on this website.