What is an influenza sentinel provider?

An influenza surveillance provider reports clinically diagnosed influenza-like illness (ILI) to the CDC. The CDC and the state health departments use this data to determine flu activity levels for each state. Nationally, approximately 2,500 providers were enrolled in this network during the 2007-08 influenza season; 130 participated in Texas. However, more are needed!

What data do sentinel providers collect? How and to whom are data reported?

Surveillance providers report the total number of patient visits for ILI by age group (0-4 years, 5-24 years, 25-64 years, >65 years) along with the total number of patient visits for any reason. These data are transmitted once a week via the Internet or fax to the CDC. Most providers report that the entire process takes less than 20 minutes a week. In addition, surveillance providers can submit specimens from a subset of patients for virus isolation free of charge.

Who can be an Influenza Sentinel Provider?

Providers of any specialty (e.g., family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, infectious diseases) in any type of practice (e.g., private practice, public health clinic, urgent care center, emergency room, university student health center) are eligible to be surveillance providers. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are also eligible.

Why Volunteer?

Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality (approximately 36,000 deaths) almost every winter. With the ever-increased threat of pandemic influenza, the need for surveillance has never been more important. Data from surveillance providers are critical for monitoring the impact of influenza and, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care. Surveillance providers receive feedback on the data submitted, summaries of regional and national influenza data, and free subscriptions to CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. The most important consideration is that the data provided are critical for protecting the public’s health.

For more information on the US Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet), please contact Irene Brown, ILINet Coordinator; Leslie Bullion; or Neil Pascoe, R.N. at 512- 458-7676
or
Click here to access an enrollment form from the DSHS website.