Welcome to Influenza Sentinel Surveillance for the 2022-23 flu season!
Each flu season, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) partners with select outpatient, urgent care, student health, and emergency department providers to collect specimens from individuals with an influenza-like illness (ILI) to test for influenza and further characterize the type and subtype of any positive influenza results. This surveillance effort allows VDH to determine which virus strains are circulating in Virginia, monitor for any novel strains within the community, and provide data for future vaccine formulation decisions.
The flu season typically begins around MMWR week 40 (early October) with activity decreasing by MMWR week 20 (mid to late May).The goal of the Sentinel Surveillance(SS) program is to receive approximately 175 specimens per week across the state during the 2022-23 flu season.
ILI Case Definition
FEVER of 100ºF or more with either
COUGH or SORE THROAT
Important links for sentinel providers
Please direct any questions on the influenza surveillance program to flu@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department at www.vdh.virginia.gov/local-health-districts/.
