Influenza Surveillance in the University Setting

In order to compare influenza rates, the ILINet database was used to obtain influenza-like illness rates reported in Indiana. Illness rates were calculated in the university and non-university (NU) setting. Rates were compared to the rate of influenza-like illness reported by emergency departments from Indiana's Public Health Electronic Surveillance System (PHESS). Data was collected from both systems during a five year period, from 2006-2011. The university ILI rate was higher than NU and ILI season peaked earlier than the NU population. The university ILI rate was higher than NU and ILI season peaked earlier than the NU population. Rates as follows: 2010-2011, the ILI rate amongst college students was 2.2 times the NU rate and 2.8 times the ED rate. The university rate peaked a week ahead of both the NU and the ED rate. For 2009-2010, the ILI rate amongst college students was 0.98 times the NU rate and 0.97 times the ED rate. The university rate peaked a week ahead of both the NU and the ED rate. For 2008-2009 (with two separate epidemics), the ILI rate for college students was 1.2 & 1.8 times the NU rate, and 1.7 &1.3 times the ED rate. College students have a higher incidence of influenza and illness peaks sooner than NU. Recommendations include: increasing education about the risk of contracting the disease and the importance of hand washing, increasing rates of students receiving influenza vaccinations, and use of social isolation.