Influenzanet is a system to monitor the activity of influenza-like-illness (ILI) with the aid of volunteers via the internet

http://www.influenzanet.eu/

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Developing the framework for an epidemic forecast infrastructure.
http://www.epiwork.eu/

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-related EU initiatives.

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Participating countries and volunteers:

The Netherlands 20823
Belgium 7247
Portugal 1980
Italy 4137
Great Britain 5520
Sweden 2654
Germany 82
Austria 10
Switzerland 6
France 4444
InfluenzaNet is a system to monitor the activity of influenza-like-illness (ILI) with the aid of volunteers via the internet. It has been operational in The Netherlands and Belgium (since 2003), Portugal (since 2005) and Italy (since 2008), and the current objective is to implement InfluenzaNet in more European countries.

In contrast with the traditional system of sentinel networks of mainly primary care physicians coordinated by the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS), 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.

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Common symptoms of flu

The weekly symptom survey asks you to report on symptoms you've had in the past week, or since you last completed the survey. 

We ask mainly about respiratory symptoms indicative of influenza infection. The 'flu status' that you receive at the end of the symptom survey is calculated using an algorithm based on the symptoms you reported.

Influenza-like illness

(European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control definition)

  • Sudden onset of symptoms

AND at least one of the following four systemic symptoms:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Feeling tired or exhausted
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain

AND at least one of the following three respiratory symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath

Other definitions (all fairly similar) are sometimes used by public health bodies, each of which gives an estimate of influenza-like-illness.

Why do we say "influenza-like-illness", not "flu"? Because without a laboratory test it's impossible to be certain whether symptoms really are caused by flu or by something similar. Public health bodies and GPs do the same thing, but one advantage of the flusurvey is that we can easily adapt our definition if better information becomes available.

Common cold

At least one of the following symptoms:

  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Cough

AND no fever

Gastroenteritis or 'gastric flu'

  • No respiratory symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough...)

At least two of the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach ache