GA Pandemic Influenza
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Standard Operating Plan
Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions
CDC Health Advisory, Recommendations for Influenza-Like Illness
CDC Health Advisory, Recommendations for Early Antiviral Treatment
Become a Influenza Sentinel Provider – Contributing to the Public’s Health
What is an influenza sentinel provider?
An influenza sentinel provider conducts surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) in collaboration with the local and state
health departments, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data reported by sentinel providers, in
combination with other influenza surveillance data, provide a picture of influenza virus and ILI activity in the United
States. Approximately 2,600 providers throughout the country were enrolled in this network during the 2008-2009
influenza season; 85 of them were Georgia sentinel providers.
What, how, and to whom are data reported?
Sentinel providers report the total number of patient visits each week and the number of patient visits for influenza-like
illness by age group (0-4 years, 5-24 years, 25-49 years, 50-64 years, >65 years). These data are transmitted once a week
over the Internet or via fax to CDC. Most providers report that it takes them less than 30 minutes a week to compile and
report their data. In addition, sentinel providers submit specimens from a subset of patients for virus isolation, free of
charge, three times during the influenza season. The Georgia Public Health Laboratory types the viruses; many of these
are then forwarded to CDC for viral characterization.
Who can be an influenza sentinel provider?
Providers of any specialty, such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, infectious diseases, in any type of
practice (private practice, public health clinic, urgent care center, emergency room, university student health center,
occupational medicine) are eligible to be sentinel providers.
Why volunteer?
Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality (approximately 36,000 deaths)
almost every winter. Data from sentinel providers are critical for monitoring the impact of influenza and in combination
with other influenza surveillance data, can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection,
and patient care.
Sentinel providers receive feedback on the data submitted, summaries of regional 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. For more information on influenza sentinel provider surveillance, please contact Ariane Reeves, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC – Influenza Surveillance Coordinator for the Georgia Division of Public Health – at (404) 463-4625 or alreeves@dhr.state.ga.us.
H1N1 Links
Live, Attenuated, The Naval Spray Vaccine
H1N1 Public Health District Contacts