Internet-based monitoring of influenza-like illness in the general population: Experience of five influenza seasons in the Netherlands

Abstract Like in most other countries, influenza surveillance in The Netherlands is based upon influenza-like illness (ILI) consultations reported by sentinel general practitioners (GP). In addition, an internet-based monitoring of ILI in the general population started in 2003/2004 (Great Influenza...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Vaccine 2009-10, Vol.27 (45), p.6353-6357
Main Authors: Friesema, I.H.M, Koppeschaar, C.E, Donker, G.A, Dijkstra, F, van Noort, S.P, Smallenburg, R, van der Hoek, W, van der Sande, M.A.B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age
Aged
Allergy and Immunology
Child
Child, Preschool
Children
Diabetes
Disease Outbreaks - statistics & numerical data
Fever
Humans
Illnesses
Immunization
Incidence
Infant
Influenza
Influenza, Human - epidemiology
Internet
Internet access
Middle Aged
Muscle pain
Netherlands - epidemiology
Pandemics
Patient Participation
Population
Population Surveillance - methods
Questionnaires
Seasons
Surveillance
Surveys and Questionnaires
Winter
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Like in most other countries, influenza surveillance in The Netherlands is based upon influenza-like illness (ILI) consultations reported by sentinel general practitioners (GP). In addition, an internet-based monitoring of ILI in the general population started in 2003/2004 (Great Influenza Survey (GIS)). We compared GIS results over 5 influenza seasons with results from the GP system. Weekly ILI incidence from GIS correlated well with ILI incidence from the GP system the same week and even better 1 week later. This suggests that GIS is useful for early detection of trends in influenza activity. However, two important vulnerable groups, children and the elderly, are clearly underrepresented in the GIS. Furthermore, virological confirmation is lacking in the GIS. So, GIS can be a useful addition to the GP system, especially when representativeness can be improved and when participation remains at the current high level.
ISSN:0264-410X
1873-2518
DOI:10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.05.042