Dear All We were beaten to the first positive flu specimen by non-sentinel sources this year. And from sentinel sources there was a 4 way tie this year last week. See below from the HPSC “There were four practices reporting positive flu cases in week 46, located in Meath, Dublin and Killarney. Many thanks to […]
As you can see from the graph, the influenza season 2015/2016 is now well underway. Remember your swabbing criteria and how to get more supplies if required. Those of you who are making weekly returns, it is so important you make these returns, as the figures assist in the management of the escalation of influenza […]
The first positive flu on the season in week 40 this year, quite early. It was our old friend the swine flu strain so it’s still around. Please find attached letter regarding this year’s i-Move or flu vaccine effectiveness study. Its only sentinel practices that are invited to take part and its very little extra […]
The Vaccine Effectiveness Study (VE) commenced in 2009 in collaberation with the HPSC, the ICGP and the NVRL. Having vaccine effectiveness estimates as soon as possible and monitoring the effectiveness along the course of the influenza outbreak is essential to: Decide on recommendations for the use of the vaccine Target complementary or alternative public health […]
An important part of the survey is taking swabs, one per week from patients suspected of having the flu. Swab packs with appropriate instructions are sent out to all participating GPs a couple of weeks prior to the commencement of the Winter Reporting Season (usually around Mid September) If however your practice is also part […]
Swab material should be used ONLY in conjunction with the Surveillance program. Swab material can be ordered through the NVRL E-mail email hidden; JavaScript is required making the subject line “Surveillance swabbing request” and in the body of the e-mail specify exactly what you require forms wire swabs viral transport medium Please include your practice code. […]
Disease surveillance returns are made on a weekly basis, 52 weeks of the year. The returns MUST be made by no later than each Tuesday morning by 1pm Any returns which come in any later than this are considered late, and therefore could cost the practice money. Timeliness is incredibly important to facilitate the Surveillance Network. It […]
Searching HealthOne for cases has been simplified in recent years. All you have to do now is access Tools – Options – Automisation (see below) You just need to ensure that the ‘Export Flu Surveillance data Weekly‘ is ticked and that the following Assessment Items are entered. Influenza Measles Mumps Rubella Chickenpox Shingles Gastro-enteritis nb: Each ‘Assessment […]