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The Flu: A Guide for Parents
Recruitment Information – Full Program Description
Recruitment Enrollment Form
Respiratory Specimen Submission Procedure
Optional Influenza Worksheet

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.  Data reported by ILINet providers, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, provide a national picture of influenza virus and ILI activity in the U.S.  Approximately 2,700 providers were enrolled in ILINet during the 2008-09 influenza season.  

What data do ILINet providers collect? How and to whom are data reported?
ILINet providers report each week the total number of patient seen for any reason and the number of patient visits for influenza-like illness (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 via the Internet or fax to a central data repository at CDC.  Most providers report that it takes them less than 30 minutes a week to compile & report their data.

Who can be an ILINet Provider?
Providers of any specialty in any type of practice are eligible to be ILINet providers:

Practice settings that are not eligible are elementary, middle, or high school health centers, and any type of institutional setting such as nursing homes or prisons. 

Why Volunteer?
Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality (an average of 36,000 deaths) every year.  ILINet data is critical in monitoring the course of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus activity on the local, state, and national level.  Also, ILINet data, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care.  The most important consideration is that the data provided are critical for protecting the public’s health.

Contact Information:
Questions about reporting or surveillance, please contact your State Influenza Surveillance Coordinator at 573-522-9146.