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2010-2011 Sentinel Provider Recruitment Packet |
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The 2010-2011 ILINet
Recruitment Packet
includes: |
Program Summary
Enrollment Form
Reporting Schedules
Frequently Asked Questions |
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You are an Important Part of the Process! |
NEW!! Novel Influenza
A Surveillance and Reporting Guidance for Sentinel Providers
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Why does Florida Need Influenza Sentinel Providers? |
ILINet providers are key to the success of the Florida Department of Health's
Influenza Surveillance System. An ILINet provider conducts surveillance for
Influenza-like illness (ILI) in collaboration with the Florida State Health
Department Bureau of Epidemiology and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Data reported by sentinel providers, in combination with other
influenza surveillance data, provides a national picture of influenza virus and
ILI activity in the U.S. and Florida. |
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What data do ILINet Providers collect ? |
ILINet providers report the number of patient visits each week and number of
patient visits for ILI by age group (0-4 years, 5-24 years, 25-49 years, 50-64
years, and 65+ years) year round. These data are transmitted once a week via the
internet or via fax to a central database to CDC. Most providers report that it
takes less than 30 minutes a week to compile and report their data. In addition,
sentinel providers can submit specimens from a subset of patients to the state
laboratory for virus isolation free of charge. |
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Who can be an ILINet Provider? |
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. |
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Why Volunteer? |
Epidemics of influenza usually occur during the winter
months and are responsible for approximately 36,000 deaths per year in the
United States. Influenza and pneumonia together were the eighth leading cause of
death in Florida in 2004, with over 3,000 deaths statewide. Serious
complications due to influenza can also occur in persons with chronic health
conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung conditions, or HIV. The
2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and worldwide reports of bird flu (Influenza A
H5N1) since 2003 have increased both the public concern for influenza and the
profile of influenza surveillance.
Data from sentinel providers are critical for monitoring influenza's impact in
Florida. In combination with other influenza surveillance data, they can be used
to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and
patient care. Sentinel providers receive feedback on the data submitted, and
data are summarized and reported along with other flu surveillance mechanisms in
the Florida Flu Review (available at:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/swineflu/Reports/reports.htm).
Additionally, the Bureau of Epidemiology has established a secure internet forum
for sentinel providers through EpiCom (the state's electronic communication
system). Access to this system will give providers the opportunity to share and
receive information about the sentinel program, as well as information related
to disease outbreaks. EpiCom is free and there in no software to install since
the site can be accessed from any computer with Internet capabilities.
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How can I learn more about the ILINet program? |
The Bureau of Epidemiology has created a training presentation which will orient
you to influenza surveillance in Florida as well as Florida ILINet program
specifically. Please visit our ILINet
Training and Orientation webpage to learn more about this training
opportunity and how you can earn CEUs.
For more information on participating in Florida
ILINet, please contact your local county health department or the Influenza
Surveillance Program in the Bureau of Epidemiology at 850-245-4441. |
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