G1 catches cold

DEVELOPERS have come up with a mobile phone application which can check what your chances of catching a cold and the flu are today.

Software for the T-Mobile G1 will warn the US user how many people in an area are sneezing and shaking with winter viruses.

The Zicam Cold & Flu Companion will say, for example, that 8 per cent to 14 per cent of the people in your zip code have respiratory illnesses, representing a 'Moderate' risk level.

Hypochondriacs will also be warned what symptoms are common, like coughing and sore throats, so they will also know what they are supposed to be suffering from instead of just having to make it up.

The data comes from polling doctors and pharmacies rather than taking samples of viruses in the region, so it is probably about as accurate as asking the cat.

Apparently, the place to avoid at the moment is Atlanta. This is not just because it is one of the five most flu-infected cities in the US, it is just because we don't like it much. µ

L'Inq
AP