Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Program (ILINet)
Now You Can Help With Influenza Surveillance in Only a Few Minutes a Week!
What is an ILINet Provider?
As part of the Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Network (ILINet), an ILINet provider (previously referred to as a sentinel influenza surveillance provider) conducts surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) 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. NYS ILINet providers are part of a national network of more than 3,000 healthcare providers in 50 states reporting over 25 million patient visits each year.
What data do ILINet Providers collect? How and to whom are they reported?
ILINet providers report each week the total number of patient visits and the total 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 free of charge to the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center for virus testing and sub-typing.
Who can be an ILINet Provider?
Physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and nurse practitioners of any specialty (e.g., family practice, obstetrics & gynecology, 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 every season. ILINet data is critical in monitoring the course of influenza virus activity on the local, state, and national level. Also, ILINet data, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, has been used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care. ILINet providers receive feedback on the data submitted, summaries of regional, 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 the data provided are critical for protecting the public's health.
Further Information
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, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Program Coordinator, at (347) 396-2616, bnivin@health.nyc.gov.
