An app that can alert staff members of a potential flu outbreak is being piloted in advance of this year’s northern hemisphere flu season.
The pilot of the FluCARE app will be conducted over a 12-month period and collect data on suspected cases of the flu and flu-like illnesses among residents at 30 Australian nursing homes.
The app uses an algorithm to continually analyze collected data and alerts the facility of a potential outbreak, iTNews reported. The alert guides staff members on what measures should be taken in that situation.
“By acting sooner, we’ll be better able to contain the spread of the disease and we hope to be able to prevent hospitalizations and deaths,” Sydney Local Health District epidemiologist Emma Quinn said.
The United States just recently dealt with its longest flu season in 10 years. The country has seen a steady rise in deaths attributed to the flu, according to the AARP.
