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the first and only cold and flu prediction tool

www.achoo.com

Assignment: Kleenex wanted to change the fundamental way moms buy tissues during cold and flu season: instead of waiting for the first sneeze to frantically grab one box, how could we get them to buy a whole bunch before the snot hit the fan?

Approach: When people in Florida know there's a hurricane coming, they stock up on supplies. So we reasoned that if moms knew when cold and flu symptoms were coming, they'd be more likely to stock-up on tissues. But unlike weather forecasts, there was no real way to accurately predict the onset of cold and flu...yet. With a hell of a lot of research, trial and error, and many early morning meetings with analysts in Switzerland, we created achoo: a digital tool actually that predicts your local cold and flu risk—up to three weeks in advance, and with up to 88% accuracy.

Before seeing your local forecast, a progressive, animated map shows the predicted spread of symptoms across the country over the next three weeks.  The predictions are based on a unique algorithm that analyzes multiple data streams, including CDC information, bird migration patterns, social media mentions, weather conditions and more. 

The local forecast page shows detailed three week predictions for your zip code, as well as how many achoo users reported being sick this week. From here, you can sign up for triggered email alerts, share your forecast on social media, or send a friend their own local forecast. Then, based on your area's risk levels, achoo serves helpful tips, a vaccine finder, a tissue calculator—and yes, a Kleenex coupon—to help get you through the season.

RESULTS

achoo got lots of media coverage, including mentions in AdAge, Creativity, MSN and two features in FastCompany. It also won two Webby Awards, giving our team permission to dance around the office for a couple of days. The brand was so thrilled with achoo's success, they invested in enhancements for a second year's run.