FluNet


FluNet is a global web-based tool launched in 1997 and coordinated by the World Health Organization. It is a site for information exchange in the global surveillance of influenza. FluNet contains publicly available, real-time global data for influenza virological surveillance. It works as an early-alert system, providing with full access to epidemiological and virological information. FluNet is a collaborative project between the WHO's Division of Emerging and other Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Control, and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research.

History

FluNet was developed by WHO in collaboration with French Governmental organization Inserm as an Internet application linking the global WHO network of influenza centers. During 1997, via secured access, data on influenza activity and viral laboratory results were entered directly into FluNet by 22 pilot centers. In addition, data from 54 centers were sent to WHO for entry. Four countries reported widespread outbreaks of at least 4 weeks' duration. Without interruption, the FluNet server ran 24 hours a day.

Management

FluNet is maintained by WHO. Virological data, such as the number of influenza viruses detected by subtype, is entered into FluNet. These data are critical for tracking the movement of viruses globally and interpreting the epidemiological data. The results are presented in various formats including tables, maps and graphs. The data are provided remotely by National Influenza Centers of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System and other national influenza reference laboratories collaborating actively with GISRS, or are uploaded from WHO regional databases. Data can be remotely entered by the participating laboratories into the central database, which can be searched by users to find information in the form of data tables, graphs, maps, and free text. Information about influenza is available on the extent of clinical activity and virological results by geography, reports and news, and a list of national influenza centers and other WHO collaborating centers. More than 140 national influenza centers of GISRS, national influenza reference laboratories, and WHO regional databases report data. The data at country level are publicly available and updated weekly.

Userbase

FluNet is aimed for international and national authorities, the public, and the media. It can be accessed directly online through its data portal. Users can access real time data for any week from as far
back as 1995 until the most recent reporting week.