Influenza Surveillance

ILINet providers are key to the success of the Florida Department of Health’s Influenza Surveillance System. Data reported by sentinel providers, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, provides a national picture of influenza virus and Influenza-like illness activity in the U.S. and Florida.

All providers 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 sentinel providers.

Sentinel Provider Recruitment Packet

Florida clinicians are an important part of the process. The ILINet recruitment packet includes:

ILINet Reporting

ILINet providers report the 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, and 65 years or older) year round. These data are reported once a week to a central CDC database through an online platform. Most providers report that it takes less than 30 minutes a week to compile and report their data.

Sentinel providers can submit specimens from a subset of patients to the state laboratory for virus isolation free of charge.

Volunteer

Serious complications due to influenza can also occur in persons with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung conditions, or HIV.

Data from sentinel providers are critical for monitoring influenza’s impact in Florida. In combination with other influenza surveillance data, they can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care. Sentinel providers receive feedback on the data submitted, and data are summarized and reported along with other flu surveillance mechanisms.

learn more about the ILINet program

For more information on participating in Florida ILINet, please contact your local county health department or the Influenza Surveillance Program at 850-245-4441.