Healthcare providers in Washington State can volunteer to help with surveillance for influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI)
What is an ILINet provider?
ILINet sentinel providers collect and report weekly data on number of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) seen at their practice. These data contribute to both statewide and national surveillance for influenza virus and ILI activity.
What data do ILINet providers report?
ILINet providers report weekly the number of patient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) along with the number of patients seen for any reason by age group. See below for age groups and ILI definition. Data are transmitted weekly via Internet or fax to a central data repository at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Age groups (in years): 0-4; 5-24; 25-49; 50-64; ≥65
Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Case Definition
Fever (≥ 100ºF [37.8ºC]), oral or equivalent
-AND-
cough and/or sore throat
(in the absence of a known cause other than influenza)
Who can be an ILINet provider?
Providers of any specialty in any type of practice are eligible to be ILINet providers:
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Practice
- Infectious Disease
- Internal Medicine
- OB/GYN
- Pediatrics
- Student Health
- Urgent Care
Practice settings that are not eligible are elementary, middle, or high school health centers, and any type of institutional setting such as nursing homes and prisons.
Why Volunteer?
Influenza viruses cause substantial morbidity and mortality every year and are constantly evolving. ILINet data are critical to monitor influenza activity at the local, state and national level. Through volunteering to contribute to weekly surveillance, you are assisting in protecting the public's health.