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You are Here: Home Page > Influenza Updates > Influenza ILINet Surveillance Program  

Influenza ILINet Surveillance Program

(previously referred to as the Sentinel Provider Influenza Surveillance Program)

Now You Can Help With Influenza Surveillance in Only a Few Minutes a Week!

What is an Influenza ILINet Provider?

An influenza ILINet provider conducts surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) in collaboration with the state health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data reported by ILINet providers, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, provide a state and nationwide picture of influenza virus and ILI activity. Over 2,700 physicians in all 50 states were enrolled in this network during the 2008-09 influenza season.

What data do Influenza ILINet Providers collect? How and to whom are they reported?

During influenza season (October through May), ILINet providers report the total number of patient visits each week and number of patient visits for ILI by age group (0-4 years, 5-24 years, 25-49 years, 50-64 years, >65 years). These data are transmitted once a week to a central data repository at CDC via the Internet or fax. Most providers report that it takes less than 30 minutes a week to compile and report this data. In addition, ILINet providers can submit a designated number of patient specimens each season to the state health department Wadsworth Center laboratory for virus isolation free of charge.

Who can be an Influenza ILINet Provider?

Physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and nurse practitioners of any specialty (e.g., family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine) in any type of practice (e.g., private practice, public health clinic, urgent care center, student health center) are eligible to be ILINet providers.

Why volunteer?

Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality (approximately 36,000 deaths nationally) almost every season. ILINet data is critical in monitoring the course of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus activity on the local, state and national level. The data, when combined with other influenza surveillance data, can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care. ILINet providers receive feedback on the data submitted, summaries of statewide 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 they provide critical public health surveillance assistance.

Further Information

For further information see The New York State Sentinel Provider Network, 2008-2009.

For more information about the Influenza ILINet Surveillance Program, please contact Donna Gowie, Program Coordinator at the New York State Department of Health, at (518) 473-4439, dlg04@health.state.ny.us or, in New York City, Beth Nivin, NYCDOHMH program coordinator, at 212/442-9050, bnivin@health.nyc.gov .