Leveraging International Influenza Surveillance Systems and Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Decades of investment have built global respiratory disease surveillance networks, primarily for influenza.
• These networks involve international organizations, national health ministries, and research institutions.
• Seasonal, zoonotic, and pandemic influenza threats have driven the development of these surveillance systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the adaptation of existing influenza surveillance systems for COVID-19 surveillance.
• To highlight the role of these systems in responding to SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
• To assess the potential for integrating COVID-19 surveillance into ongoing respiratory virus monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging established influenza surveillance systems and programs.
• Utilizing country-specific surveillance for severe acute respiratory infection and influenza-like illness.
• Employing existing respiratory virus laboratory resources and pandemic preparedness plans.
• Incorporating data from ongoing population-based influenza studies.

Main Results:

• Existing influenza surveillance infrastructure was effectively utilized to monitor SARS-CoV-2.
• Collaboration between the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ministries of health, and the World Health Organization was crucial.
• Countries adapted their systems to track, study, and respond to COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Existing influenza surveillance systems provide a valuable foundation for responding to new respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
• Integrating COVID-19 surveillance into these established networks strengthens global capacity for monitoring respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.
• Continued investment in and adaptation of these networks are essential for future pandemic preparedness.