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Disease Reporting

Influenza (Flu)

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Influenza is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). It can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death. Influenza symptoms often begin suddenly, with fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. The best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated each year.

Seasonal influenza refers to influenza strains that circulate each year and are most common during the winter months in Wisconsin. Avian influenza (bird flu) refers to influenza A viruses that usually infect birds, but can occasionally infect humans. Swine flu infections usually infect pigs and boars, however they can occasionally occur in humans.

Pandemic influenza is when a new (novel) and highly contagious influenza virus emerges and infects many people worldwide. Because humans have little natural immunity to this new virus, the disease can spread easily from person to person and sometimes can cause severe disease. The last influenza pandemic occurred during 2009-2010.

• Avian influenza 
• Influenza A H3N2 variant viruses (H3N2v)

General information

• Influenza fact sheet (PDF, 21 KB)  Spanish (PDF, 48 KB) 

• Hand washing  

Influenza vaccination and other prevention information

• Influenza vaccine information - CDC

• Influenza vaccine - Questions and Answers - CDC  

• Wisconsin 2012-13 Recommendations for use of Influenza Vaccines (PDF, 491 KB)

• Influenza Risk to Pregnant Women 2012-13 (PDF, 101 KB)  

• Long Term Care (LTC) Facility influenza prevention (PDF, 126 KB) November 15, 2012

• Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination - A Matter of Patient Safety (Webcast, help) 
  All healthcare personnel should receive the influenza vaccine each year to protect patients and residents. This video presents the facts about influenza vaccine safety and effectiveness, and emphasizes the significant benefits of influenza vaccination in healthcare settings.

Information for health professionals

• Interim Guidance on the Use of Antiviral Agents for Treatment of Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H7N9) - CDC April 18, 2013

• Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines:
  Influenza A Virus Infection, Novel subtypes EpiNet (PDF, 22 KB)
  Influenza-Associated Pediatric Death  EpiNet (PDF, 22 KB) 
  Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations  EpiNet (PDF, 22 KB)

• Information for Health Care Professionals - CDC

• Is it a Cold, Flu, or Pertussis?

• Training for Professionals - CDC

• Wisconsin Immunization Program - Guidance to Providers

Influenza surveillance

• Wisconsin Surveillance Systems for influenza

• National surveillance - CDC

Additional resources

• Influenza Educational Resources

• Wisconsin Immunization Program

• Seasonal influenza website - CDC

• Información en español sobre la gripe - CDC  (Spanish)

• Influenza Information - Minnesota Department of Health

Contacts

Wisconsin Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies

Thomas Haupt, Influenza Surveillance Coordinator
Wisconsin Division of Public Health 
Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response
(Phone 608-266-5326)  (Fax 608-261-4976)

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Last Revised: April 19, 2013