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Updated Guidance for the 2014-2015 Influenza Season

Due to the high prevalence of Influenza, testing
at SHL is recommended for the following:

• Laboratories (UPDATE): Influenza activity is widespread and the prevalence is high, so it
  is not necessary to confirm Flu A rapid positive tests at this time due to the improved predictive value of these tests. You may wish to confirm Flu B positive specimens until the prevalence of Flu B is higher in Iowa.



Continue to submit specimens from the following:

• Hospitals
  Submit specimens from hospitalized patients (in-patients, not patients seen in the Emergency Department) with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and without other apparent cause. Submit from rapid test positive, rapid test negative, or not tested. Rapid tests are less sensitive compared to molecular methods so may miss cases of influenza.
  
  
• Patients
  Patients from defined populations such as outbreaks in schools or long-term care facilities, and patients where confirmation is desired due to special circumstances should be tested. Please note circumstances on the test request form. Submit specimens at times of low prevalence, such as beginning and end of the flu season and during the summer months.
  
  
• ILINet Sentinel Providers
  Submit specimens on patients with Influenza-Like Illness per IDPH guidance.

For Additional Information

• Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Influenza Specimen Submission and Other Guidance
• IDPH: Influenza Surveillance in Iowa
• IDPH: Influenza Vaccination, Treatment and Prevention
• 2014 Influenza Teleconference and Webinar

Influenza Surveillance in Iowa provides awareness of when and where influenza is circulating in Iowa and allows for characterization of viruses for match to the current vaccine, antiviral drug resistance, and to look for new strains of influenza virus.

Thank you for your support of influenza surveillance in Iowa.

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