Google search terms could help predict coronavirus outbreaks, experts say. Using symptom-related online searches might allow them to forecast a peak in cases about 17 days in advance, they found.This includes glances for the symptoms of loss of sense of smell and skin rash, according to the University College London (UCL) researchers.Analysing internet search activity is already used to track and understand the seasonal flu.And using data on Covid-19 web searches in a similar way could improve public health surveillance methods for different countries, the study in the Nature Digital Medicine journal found.The scientists said detecting outbreaks early is the “best chance” of tackling health emergencies.Dr Vasileios Lampos, who led the.