Assessment of the Impact of Media Coverage on COVID-19–Related Google Trends Data: Infodemiology Study

• DOI: 10.2196/19611
• Publication Date: 2020-06-12T17:23:57Z
• Authors: Bernardo Sousa-Pinto; Aram Anto; Wienia Czarlewski; Josep M Anto; João Almeida Fonseca; Jean Bousquet
• Keywords: Anosmia

Background The influence of media coverage on web-based searches may hinder the role Google Trends (GT) in monitoring coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Objective aim this study was to assess whether COVID-19–related GT data, particularly those related ageusia and anosmia, were primarily or epidemic trends. Methods We retrieved query data for coronavirus, cough, plotted them over a period 5 years. In addition, we analyzed trends queries 17 countries throughout year 2020 with particular focus rises peaks searches. For anosmia ageusia, assessed respective correlated COVID-19 cases deaths both specifically before March 16, (ie, date when started reporting that these symptoms can be associated COVID-19). Results Over last five years, only observed during winter 2020. Rises appeared at similar times different irrespective their situations. 15 countries, occurred same week 1 after they identified as COVID-19. When prior analyzed, found have variable correlations countries. Conclusions Our results indicate are more closely than