Table 1. Influenza-like-illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infection (ARI) case definitions used according to the surveillance systems, France, 2012/13 and 2013/14.
| Case definitions according to the surveillance systema | Sudden onset of symptoms | Feverb and general symptoms | Respiratory signs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILI case definitiona | ||||
| Sentinel network (RS) | Yes | Fever ≥ 39 °C AND myalgiac | Yes | |
| GrippeNet.fra | ILI | Yes | Fever ≥ 39 °C AND painc | Sore throat OR cough OR shortness of breath OR sneezing OR rhinorrhoea (runny or blocked nose) |
| ILIf | Yes | Feverb OR fever ≥ 39 °C AND painc | Sore throat OR cough OR shortness of breath OR sneezing OR rhinorrhoea (runny or blocked nose) | |
| ILI– | Yes | Feverb OR fever ≥ 38 °C AND painc OR headache | Sore throat OR cough OR shortness of breath | |
| ILI–f | Yes | Feverb AND painc OR headache | Sore throat OR cough OR shortness of breath | |
| ARI case definitiona | ||||
| Regional Influenza Surveillance Group (GROG) | Yes | At least one sign suggesting an acute infection (fever or asthenia or headache or muscle pain, etc.) | Cough OR rhinitis OR coryza | |
| GrippeNet.fra | ARI | Yes | Feverb OR chills OR malaise (feeling tired or exhausted) OR headache OR painc | Cough OR rhinorrhoea OR sneezing |
| ARI+ | Yes | Feverb OR chills OR malaise OR headache OR painc | Cough OR rhinorrhoea OR sneezing OR sore throat OR shortness of breath OR coloured sputum/phlegm | |
| ECDC | Yes | Feverb OR chills OR malaise OR headache OR painc | Sore throat OR cough OR shortness of breath | |
ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
a Case definitions and inclusion criteria can vary in the participatory surveillance system GrippeNet.fr, so several possibilities are considered for this system.
b Participants are free to report fever with or without measure of body temperature. In the table, the mention of ‘fever’ without a defining temperature threshold refers to self-reported fever without body temperature specification. Fever, without temperature specification, was considered in this study for the GrippeNet.fr case definitions because participatory surveillance systems are adopted in several countries in Europe and depending on individual preferences/habits may not always obtain the measures of body temperature.
c For individuals above 5 years-old.