Implementing the integrated sentinel surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential by the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System: standards and operational guidance

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction 13
• 2. Defining objectives for integrated sentinel surveillance 16
• 3. Case definitions 19
• 4. Sample size and sampling strategy for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV 21
• 5. Right-sizing the number and selection of sentinel sites 23
• 6. Clinical specimens – type, collection, storage and transport 24
• 7. Laboratory testing 26
• 8. Laboratory testing algorithms 27
• 9. Biosafety and biosecurity 30
• 10. Forwarding viruses to a WHO Collaborating Centre, reference laboratory, or the WHO BioHub 31
• 11. Genetic sequencing – objectives, selection of viruses and platforms 33
• 12. Data collection and reporting 36
• 13. Monitoring and evaluation 42
• 14. References 44
• Annex 1. Guidance development process and management of conflicts of interest 46
• Annex 2. Case definitions 47
• Annex 3. Right sizing the number of specimens to test each week 48
• Annex 4. Right sizing patient and sentinel site numbers 53
• Annex 5. Derivation of sample size calculations 57
• Annex 6. Testing algorithms based on assay type 60
• Annex 7. Examples of weekly data collection forms for syndromic surveillance 63
• Annex 8. Data management and data linkages 66
• Annex 9. Minimum data to be collected from patients who have provided a respiratory specimen 67
• Annex 10. Metadata to include when uploading respiratory virus genetic sequences 70
• Annex 11. Minimum data variables to report at the national level 72
• Annex 12. Minimum data variables to report to WHO 75
• Annex 13. Monitoring indicators 76