CWI contributes to the largest influenza survey ever conducted in the Netherlands and Flanders. The Grote Griepmeting, organized by science website Kennislink, magazine Natuurwetenschap & Techniek and several research centres, maps the spread of influenza and common cold from November 1, 2003 until April 1, 2004. People are invited to contribute to the survey by signing up on the Grote Griepmeting website . On a regular basis they will be asked to report any symptoms like fever, a sore throat or a runny nose. From this data an overview is created of the spread of influenza and cold-like diseases in the Netherlands and Flanders. The results will be used to improve mathematical models of the spread of epidemics as virologists can use the data to plan vaccination campaigns. The Grote Griepmeting also includes an educational material on influenza and common cold.
More information can be found at www.grotegriepmeting.nl.
Coordinator at CWI is mathematician Mark Peletier.
