Each respiratory season, VDH partners with healthcare providers to enhance influenza surveillance efforts in Virginia.
Participating sites are asked to submit respiratory specimens weekly from patients with an influenza-like illness (ILI), which is defined as fever greater than or equal to 100°F (measured at home or provider’s office) and a cough and/or a sore throat. These specimens are sent to the state laboratory, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), for virus testing and typing. All collection materials and shipping costs are provided at no cost to the facility or patient.
This program helps VDH determine which influenza strains are circulating in Virginia and monitor for novel strains. Additionally, this surveillance information helps guide flu prevention and control policies, national vaccine strain selection, and recommendations for patient care.
Interested in Becoming a Sentinel Provider?
By sending respiratory specimens to DCLS for laboratory testing, sentinel providers play a critical role in state and national influenza and other respiratory virus surveillance.
Providers of any specialty (e.g., family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, infectious diseases) 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.
Scan the QR code above or click this link to indicate interest in program participation!
Download the Virginia Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Program Flyer