NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- WebMD Health Corp. (Nasdaq: WBMD), the leading source of health information, today announced the availability of the WebMD Cold and Flu Symptoms Across the Nation map and companion health center to help consumers stay ahead of cold and flu symptoms this season. WebMD's Cold and Flu map uses a combination of geo-location data and information compiled from over 3 million Symptom Checker visits per month to present a real-time analysis of the spread of colds and flu. Now in its second year, the map displays a county-by-county breakdown of flu symptoms, providing consumers with the latest updates on the severity of colds and flu across the country.
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"We tend to be a bit complacent about cold and flu season until it strikes, which is why preparation is key," said Dr. Michael Smith, WebMD Chief Medical Editor. "The Cold and Flu map and the resources available on WebMDhelp consumers stay on top of symptom trends in their area, so they can take the necessary steps to help themselves and their families stay well."
WebMD's Symptom Checker data has a 0.99 correlation with concentration data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cold and Flu, but is available to consumers weeks in advance through WebMD'sinteractive map. The map displays cold and flu activity across the entire country, or users can narrow their search by city, state or ZIP code for a more personalized view.
Current cold and flu symptom levels in cities across the U.S. include:
New York, NY - Moderate
Los Angeles, CA - Moderate
Chicago, IL - Moderate
Philadelphia, PA - Moderate
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX - Moderate
San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA - Moderate
Boston (Manchester), MA - Moderate
Washington, DC - Moderate/Severe
Atlanta, GA - Moderate
Houston, TX - Moderate
Featured within WebMD'sCold, Flu, and Cough Health Center, the Cold and Flu map is paired with WebMD's trusted health content. Visitors can get the latest news and features on cold and flu prevention, access interactive tools and videos, and review information on common medications used to treat or reduce symptoms. Visitors can also get WebMD's physician-reviewed cold and flu information, plus WebMD's interactive Cold and Flu map, via WebMD'smobile site for personalized, location-based cold and flu symptom activity.
About WebMD
WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD) is the leading provider of health information services, serving consumers, physicians, health care professionals, employers, and health plans through our public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications.
The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, theheart.org, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites.
All statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including those regarding: our expectations concerning market opportunities and our ability to capitalize on them; and the benefits expected from new products or services. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on our current plans and expectations, and they involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to be different than those described in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those relating to: market acceptance of our products and services; relationships with customers and strategic partners; and changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions or other trends affecting the healthcare, Internet and information technology industries. Further information about these matters can be found in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
SOURCE WebMD Health Corp.
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