*Please note the discussion post is due Wednesday.*

In 350-450 words, respond to the following prompt. Be sure to have citations and references in your post.

PROMPT

Visit the .

1. Press “View this Application” below National, Regional, and State Level Outpatient Illness and Viral Surveillance.
2. Accept the disclaimer.
3. Expand the Line Chart ILINet by pressing the square icon in the top right corner of that window.

This chart shows the percentage of outpatient visits that were due to influenza-like illness (ILI). For 2017-2018 flu season, the x-axis displays the , beginning with the start of flu season, September 30, 2018 (that date begins week #40), going to September 1, 2018 (that date ends week #35).

Compare the percentage of ILI doctor visits from the 2017-2018 flu season with other years. Note the highest percentages and how long rates remained high.  Change the Surveillance Area drop-down box to State and then select Texas. Also view the chart below to compare Texas rates as reported by the DSHS in recent seasons: 

What is significant about the 2017-2018 flu season based on national and state data? See number 2 on this webpage () to see how that data is compiled. What are some ethical, privacy, and confidentiality considerations that come to play in the collection, dissemination, and use of this information? During that outbreak, physicians were urged to immediately prescribe antivirals like Tamiflu to ILI-individuals and their families to stop the spread. Were there other changes in practice and medical recommendations during that time and in recent weeks from your own experience or from news reports? How does evidence-based practice play a role in those changes?