Seasonal influenza is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths annually in the United States. In addition to seasonal influenza, other viruses which circulate -- as well as the emergence of a novel influenza virus -- are of concern. The emergence of a novel influenza virus possesses the potential for significant impacts on schools, businesses and healthcare facilities. Responding to these concerns requires strong partnerships between public health, healthcare and community organizations.

Tarrant County Public Health has developed a respiratory virus surveillance program with enhanced laboratory technology, which emphasizes the year-round detection of influenza and other significant sources of respiratory disease. Specimens collected by this surveillance program are tested for:

· Adenovirus

· Human Metapneumovirus

· Influenza A H1, A H3, and B 

· Parainfluenza (types 1, 2, and 3)

· Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) 

· Rhinovirus

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