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 20244
Belgium 7329
Portugal 1641
Italy 4032
Great Britain 5281
Sweden 1589
Germany 37
Austria 7
Switzerland 5
France 3786
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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Science behind the flusurvey

The scientists behind the flusurvey are all interested in the processes behind epidemics. The study of epidemics involves many areas of science, including biology, medicine, social science as well as maths and statistics. Because of this, our research group at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is made up of mathematicians, biologists, physicists and doctors.

How can we tell how many people have flu?

How do contact patterns affect an individual's risk of infection and the spread of infection in a population?

Why do cases fall during school holidays?

How is influenza surveillance affected by individual's choice to go the GP?