What is ILINet?
ILINet sentinel providers conduct surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data reported by ILINet sentinel providers, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, provide a national picture of influenza virus and ILI activity in the United States. More than 3,000 sentinel providers around the country are currently enrolled in ILINet.
How does it work?
Each week, ILINet sentinel providers report the total number of patients seen for any reason at their practice and the number of visits for influenza-like illness by five age groups.
These data are submitted through a CDC portal once a week. Most providers report that it takes less than 30 minutes a week to compile and report their data.
Who can participate?
Clinicians and health care professionals in the following practice settings are eligible to join the ILINet: Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Student Health, Family Practice, OB/GYN, Urgent Care, Infectious Disease, Pediatrics.
Practice settings that are not eligible are elementary, middle, or high school health centers, and any type of institutional settings such as nursing homes or correctional facilities.
Why Volunteer?
Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality every year. ILINet data are critical in monitoring the course of influenza 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, and are critical for protecting the public’s health.
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Interested in participating? Fill out the
interest form to learn more. If you have any questions, please contact the influenza surveillance coordinator at mdh.flu@maryland.gov.
