influenza Surveillance
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, and 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 the state's influenza activity. Reports represent only the distribution of flu in the state, not an actual count of all flu cases statewide.