Influenzanet is a system to monitor the activity of influenza-like-illness (ILI) with the aid of volunteers via the internet

http://www.influenzanet.info/

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Developing the framework for an epidemic forecast infrastructure.
http://www.epiwork.eu/

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-related EU initiatives.

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Participating countries and volunteers:

The Netherlands 0
Belgium 0
Portugal 1567
Italy 4823
Great Britain 0
Sweden 0
Germany 0
 Austria 0
 Switzerland 1345
 France 6175
Spain 1025
Ireland 354
InfluenzaNet is a system to monitor the activity of influenza-like-illness (ILI) with the aid of volunteers via the internet. It has been operational in The Netherlands and Belgium (since 2003), Portugal (since 2005) and Italy (since 2008), and the current objective is to implement InfluenzaNet in more European countries.

In contrast with the traditional system of sentinel networks of mainly primary care physicians coordinated by the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS), InfluenzaNet obtains its data directly from the population. This creates a fast and flexible monitoring system whose uniformity allows for direct comparison of ILI rates between countries.

Any resident of a country where InfluenzaNet is implemented can participate by completing an online application form, which contains various medical, geographic and behavioural questions. Participants are reminded weekly to report any symptoms they have experienced since their last visit. The incidence of ILI is determined on the basis of a uniform case definition.

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Origem dos subtipos virais

Os vírus Influenza A são os mais frequentes e os causadores das mais importantes epidemias de gripe na população humana. As aves aquáticas migratórias constituem o principal “reservatório” deste vírus na natureza, a partir das quais pode ser transmitido a aves domésticas e a mamíferos incluindo suínos, equinos e o próprio Homem.  Conhece-se um total de 15 subtipos do vírus Influenza A que podem infetar as aves. Na maior parte dos casos, estes vírus provocam sintomas ligeiros nestes animais mas, ocasionalmente, uma variante altamente patogénica de um vírus pode aparecer, transmitindo-se rapidamente e matando as aves em poucos dias.

Os vírus humanos da gripe têm, muito provavelmente, todos origem nesta diversidade de vírus presente nas aves e que, ocasionalmente, produz um vírus capaz de se transmitir aos humanos e até entre humanos.