Facebook App Helps Users Determine Who To Blame For That Nasty Flu Bug
By Chelsea Karnash
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – First, it was dog shaming. Now, there's an app that allows for sick shaming.
"Help, My Friend Gave Me the Flu" is a new Facebook app from the company Help that helps you figure out just who in your network is responsible for giving you the dreaded illness.
The app works by scrolling through posts on Facebook and homing in on words and phrases that might signal a user has the flu – think "coughing," "sick," or "throat hurts." It also tracks who updates their status or adds info to their Facebook page late at night or early in the morning on the assumption that those people are unable to sleep due to the virus.
Finally, app users are given a round-up of those who might be sick within their network and are able to notify anyone on that list that they've given you the flu or are able to spread it to others.
While the app may be centered on blame, "Help, My Friend Gave Me the Flu" is currently being touted as a useful tool in areas hard-hit by the flu. Regardless, health professionals still say your best defense against the illness is to get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently and eat a balanced diet.
