Virological surveillance of influenza in England and Wales: results of a two year pilot study 1993/94 and 1994/95. PHLS Influenza Subcommittee.

Ten public health laboratories and a group of collaborating general practitioners were recruited to participate in a two year pilot study of virological surveillance of influenza in England and Wales, which was carried out during the winters of 1993/94 (first year) and 1994/95 (second year). The study was designed to facilitate rapid diagnosis and reporting of the results from the specimens submitted each week. Nose and throat swabs were obtained from 240 patients seen by general practitioners in the first year, 14 of which (6%) were positive for influenza virus; in the second year 66 specimens (14%) from a total of 477 nose and throat swabs were positive. The highest proportion of positive results were in children in both years. Fewer specimens were submitted to the study than expected, but the study obtained more timely data on the contribution of influenza virus infection to the overall level of influenza-like illness in the community than are normally available through routine surveillance.