Big data study on spread of flu launched
In Switzerland, the start of the Christmas season once again marks the beginning of the flu season. Big data researchers at ETH Zurich are now investigating how people’s behaviour is related to the spread of flu. ETH Zurich staff and students can also participate in the study.
How does flu spread and to what extent can individual behaviour stop it in its tracks?
Big data researchers at ETH Zurich want to investigate these questions in a study of flu throughout Switzerland. Unlike traditional flu activity analysis, they are not relying on data passed on to them by doctors and hospitals. Instead, they are evaluating data submitted directly by the general public.
People of all ages who are living in Switzerland, regardless of whether they have flu symptoms or not, can participate in the study using a new online platform, external page grippenet.ch (in external page German or external page French). The platform is part of a major European initiative. ETH Zurich staff and students are also invited to participate in the study.
How do people react to information about flu?
Participants register for the study by entering their postal code and an email address; their personal information remains anonymous. Information is recorded throughout the winter months, including possible flu-like symptoms and preventive measures such as washing hands and avoiding large gatherings of people. In return, the study participants receive continually updated information on changes in the reported flu status in the different cantons, including their own.
The aim of the study is to better understand the complex interaction between the spread of disease, the information made available to the general public, and behavioural responses. The knowledge of these relationships will help combat the spread of diseases more effectively in future.
