Influenza & ILI Surveillance Methods and Data Sources Assessment

Hi All,

I just reviewed the data from the survey and I find the results interesting. Thanks to all who had a hand in developing, implementing, responding to and analyzing this survey. I think it will be helpful to drive work group activities and improve surveillance overall. In reviewing this data, an interesting theme emerges in the types of data used by states. I was particularly interested in the number of respondents who mentioned getting information from case/outbreak information and on influenza-associated deaths (one area I know my state has struggled with). 

I am not sure this is possible based on how the questions were asked but I would be interested in seeing some of these categories lumped together. For example, lumping together any state who using some type of syndromic surveillance system or lumping states who use any lab or death data. Also, I see in some of the "other" categories some common themes in response. While I know the number would be limited it might be nice to see some quantification around this (example: 4 state do surveillance in schools, 2 states look at P&I etc...). 

I think this would be a great opportunity to report these findings at CSTE by putting in a abstract. Also a great way to talk about some of the planned actions that will be taken and how these findings will be used to guide those actions. 

Great work and thanks again to all involved, 

Lisa