IQVIA launches FluSTAR mobile app to help consumers understand and track flu and cold severity this winter

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 80,000 Americans died of flu and its complications in winter of 2017 — the disease’s highest death toll in at least four decades. And while influenza-related deaths are often underreported, the CDC believes up to 20,000 Americans will die with the flu this year. IQVIA, a global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions and contract research services to the life sciences industry, is doing its fair share to save people’s lives.

Today, IQVIA announced the launch of the FluSTAR mobile application to help consumers understand and track flu and cold severity this winter. IQVIA’s FluStar app uses near real-time updates complied at FluSTAR.com, for current illness information for every ZIP code in the country, accessible from any mobile device.

“The new FluSTAR app is a perfect example of the value of human data science by enabling individuals to better manage their health with quick and easy access to flu and cough-and-cold data when they need it,” said Rob Kotchie, president real world solutions, IQVIA. “Powered by the IQVIA CORE™, unparalleled data and advanced analytics, FluSTAR puts the most up-to-date information on the spread of the flu into the hands of healthcare professionals and patients during each influenza season.”

FluSTAR data are gathered using non-identified patient information through several surveillance methods, including rapid assays, laboratory confirmation, and clinical diagnosis records. This allows a regional and national picture of influenza activity to be generated.

The FluSTAR app provides a combined index based on all relevant conditions; flu, fever, cough, and strep. The map also provides breakouts for each condition on the national and local level and is updated regularly with season progress. The FluSTAR symptom tracker also collects user feedback on the state of symptoms to further understand and track seasonal suffering’s impact.

Formed through the merger of IMS Health and Quintiles, IQVIA applies human data science — leveraging the analytic rigor and clarity of data science to the ever-expanding scope of human science — to enable companies to reimagine and develop new approaches to clinical development and commercialization, speed innovation and accelerate improvements in healthcare outcomes. Powered by the IQVIA CORE™, IQVIA delivers unique and actionable insights at the intersection of large-scale analytics, transformative technology and extensive domain expertise, as well as execution capabilities. With approximately 65,000 employees, IQVIA conducts operations in more than 100 countries.

To download FluSTAR, search “FluSTAR Flu Tracking” in the app store for your Android, Apple or Windows mobile device.