What is the Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance Network?
     Arizona participates in the U.S. Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance Network, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments across the country. During the 2005-2006 influenza season, more than 2,300 providers were enrolled nationwide. Data provided by the sentinel providers are combined with other surveillance data in order to describe the national and regional activity of influenza and influenza-like illnesses.

Over 65 Arizona providers are currently enrolled for the 2006-2007 season, but even more sites are needed.  New sites can join at any time during the season.

What does a sentinel provider do?
     Sentinel providers report the total number of patients visits to their facilities each week and the number of visits for influenza-like illnesses by age group (0-4 years, 5-24 years, 25-64 years, ≥65 years). These data are transmitted weekly to the CDC by internet or fax. Most physicians report that it takes them less than 30 minutes a week to compile and report their data. Additionally, sentinel physicians can submit specimens to the state laboratory for influenza virus isolation on a subset of patients, free of charge.
 
Who can be a sentinel 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.
 
Why volunteer?
      Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality (approximately 36,000 deaths) almost every winter. Data from sentinel providers are critical for monitoring the impact of influenza and, in combination with other influenza surveillance data, can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care. Sentinel providers receive feedback on the data submitted, summaries of regional and national influenza data, and a free subscription to CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. The most important consideration is that the data provided are critical for protecting the public’s health.

For more information on the Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance Network, or if you are interested in becoming a sentinel provider, please contact the Arizona Department of Health Services at (602) 364-3148.