Real-Time Risk Index Warns that Flu-Like Illness Will Continue to Plague Americans in Spring and Summer Months

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sickweather, the world's first crowdsourced real-time map of sickness, today issued a warning that there will be no respite from flu-like symptoms and respiratory illness in the spring and summer months – and is urging consumers to safeguard themselves against the ongoing spread of illness. The company's alert is based on the predictive modeling of its SickScore® risk index which tracks illness using its patented method for social listening for disease surveillance and assesses patterns of flu-like symptomatology in cities across the country.

Sickweather's report is troubling because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that there have already been at least 26 million flu illnesses in the 2019-2020 flu season. These illness have resulted in a quarter-million hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths, including over a 100 children. Sickweather's prediction for a prolonged season of flu-like illness is historic because it represents a stark contrast to the notion that flu-like symptoms will decrease near the end of March and remain low for 5-6 months before the start of the next influenza season. It is too early to predict here in the U.S., but coronavirus may play a large part in the ongoing respiratory illnesses in the spring and summer.

To stay informed and know your risk, download the Sickweather app for free on IOS at http://sick.io/ios or for Android at  http://sick.io/android.

"We're proud that Sickweather has a proven track record of accurately forecasting outbreaks like these unrelenting flu-like symptoms up to 15 weeks in advance," said Laurel Edelman, CEO of Sickweather. "We live in an era when it has never been more critical for consumers to be informed about what's happening in their communities to protect themselves and their families. The Sickweather app is a free, easy-to-use resource to check on a daily basis to stay well—and we're dedicated to keeping people well by decreasing the spread of illness."

Sickweather's concerning report that viruses will continue to spread serves as a warning to remain vigilant in disease prevention efforts to help prevent the spread of any flu-like illnesses. CDC experts recommend being diligent about regular handwashing; covering coughs and sneezes; avoiding unnecessary touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth; frequently disinfecting surfaces; getting enough sleep; eating nutritious foods; and effectively managing stress. 

The company's proprietary SickScore® is a risk index for illness. A SickScore in the 30's and 40's is normal but a SickScore greater than 50 means that illness is active. A SickScore nearing 100 indicates an increased likelihood of encountering people with illness in daily activities throughout the community.

The sickest cities in the U.S. today, based on the SickScore index, are:

• #1 – Salt Lake City, Utah
• #2 – Austin, Texas
• #3 – Portland, Oregon
• #4 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• #5 – Denver, Colorado
• #6 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Tied at #7 are – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Detroit, Michigan
• #8 – Honolulu, Hawaii
• Tied at #9 are – Charlotte, North Carolina and San Diego, California
• #10 – Nashville, Tennessee

About Sickweather
Sickweather is the world's first real-time map of sickness and the largest crowdsourcing community of its kind – processing millions of illness reports each month. The company has been recognized for accurately forecasting outbreaks up to 15 weeks in advance. Sickweather is committed to providing consumers and businesses the most accurate, predictive and meaningful sickness forecasts in the world – for reducing healthcare costs and saving lives. For more information, visit www.sickweather.com.

Contact:
Laurel Edelman
Sickweather
484-653-8707
[email protected]

SOURCE Sickweather, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sickweather.com