INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES

Influenza

The Louisiana Department of Health relies upon selected sentinel health practitioners across the state to report the number of visits consistent with an influenza-like illness (ILI): fever over 100°F AND cough and/or sore throat. Providers are supplied with specimen collection kits to submit samples to the state Public Health Laboratory for influenza PCR testing.  Reports are used to estimate the state's ILI rate and the magnitude of  influenza activity within the state. Reports represent only the distribution of ILI in Louisiana, not an actual count of cases statewide.

Influenza Activity 

• Louisiana Weekly Surveillance Reports (monthly reports available June-September)
• Fluview Weekly Report - CDC
• Health Advisory 01/10/20 - Elevated Influenza Activity: Influenza B/Victoria and A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses are the Predominant Viruses
• Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 01/10/20 - Early Season Pediatric Influenza B/Victoria Virus Infections Associated with a Recently Emerged Virus Subclade — Louisiana, 2019 - CDC        

Lab Resources

• State Public Health Lab Form                      
• Specimen Collection and Transport Information

School Resources (influenza)

• Influenza - Schools and Child Care Providers - CDC
• Influenza - Schools and Child Care (CDC materials - free & downloadable)

Vaccine Resources

• Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2020-21 Influenza Season (MMWR (8/21/20) - CDC

Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2)

• Louisiana Data COVID-19
• COVID-19 - CDC

School Resources (COVID-19)

• LDH Resources         
• OPH Resources 

• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus  - CDC

General

• All About Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - CDC

Primary Contact Information: