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.

Surveillance & Vaccination Resources (Influenza)

• Louisiana Weekly Surveillance Reports (monthly reports available June-September)
• Fight The Flu Louisiana: LDH Webpage
• Fluview Weekly Report:  CDC Webpage
• Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: ACIP Recommendations 2022-23 (MMWR)     

 Laboratory Resources (Influenza)

• State Public Health Lab Form                      
• Influenza Specimen Collection, Storage, and Transport Information
• LDH OPH Laboratory Specimen Collection and Shipping Guidelines for Influenza Testing 

School Resources (Influenza)

• Influenza - Schools and Child Care Providers - CDC
• Flu Printable Resources - CDC
• Influenza Toolkit - Teaching Kids about the Flu - CDC

Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2)

• Louisiana Data COVID-19 Summary Dashboard
• COVID-19 - CDC

School Resources       

• Covid and Miscellaneous Diseases - Resources 

MERS-CoV

• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus  - CDC

General

• Handwashing Resources - CDC
• Lung Illness Outbreak Associated with E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products - CDC

Primary Contact Information: