
In contrast with the traditional system of sentinel networks of mainly primary care physicians, Influenzanet obtains its data directly from the population. This creates a fast and flexible monitoring system whose uniformity allows for direct comparison of ILI rates between countries. Any resident of a country where Influenzanet is implemented can participate by completing an online application form, which contains various medical, geographic and behavioural questions. Participants are reminded weekly to report any symptoms they have experienced since their last visit. The incidence of ILI is determined on the basis of a uniform case definition. It has been operational in the Netherlands and Belgium (since 2003), Portugal (since 2005), Italy (since 2008) and United Kingdom (since 2009), and the current objective is to implement Influenzanet in more European countries. The ISI Foundation participates in Influenzanet project through the Italian web portal Influweb.
Partners
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Rome, Italy
INSERM
Paris, France
Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control
Stockholm, Sweden
University of Zaragoza
Zaragosa, Spain
Public Health England
London, United Kingdom
Science in Action
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge
Lisbon, Portugal
Staten Serum Institute
Copenhagen, Denmark
National University of Ireland Galway
Galway, Ireland