Influenza A, Novel

Reportable by Providers and Laboratories

About this Reportable Disease

This is an immediately reportable condition. Please contact the Tennessee Department of Health at 615-741-7247 and ask to speak to the epidemiologist on call. 

Infectious agent:  Influenza virus

Description of illness: Novel influenza A virus infection is defined as illness caused by a subtype not circulating in humans and different from the currently circulating human influenza H1 and H3 viruses. Novel influenza A is reportable in Tennessee and nationally notifiable to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Once a novel virus is identified by CDC, it will be nationally notifiable until CSTE in consultation with CDC determines that it is no longer necessary to report each case. Novel strains may occur sporadically or may trigger pandemics if they become easily transmissible from person to person.

Laboratory testing is required to differentiate a novel influenza strain from seasonal strains. Typically, PCR testing of a novel influenza A will be positive for a type A strain, but negative for specific seasonal influenza A viruses.

Laboratory Reporting for this Disease

Influenza virus - Surveillance Use Only

TEST NAME
 Influenza PCR
DISEASE/DISORDER
 Influenza A subtyping Surveillance, Influenza B Surveillance 
ALTERNATE NAME(S) Novel or Pandemic Influenza
METHODOLOGY
 PCR
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
  • ILI-Net Sentinel Provider Network and EIP Surveillance Network Submissions ONLY
  • Specimens positive for Influenza A may be reflexed for additional subtyping and characterization
ORDERING INFORMATION Lab Web Portal

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • None
Specimen Collection
  • Acceptable Specimen Types:

- Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM or UTM

- Nasal swab in VTM or UTM
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, specimen source and match accompanying requisition or electronic order. 
Specimen Processing
  • None
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Store specimens at 2-8°C and ship overnight on icepacks.
  • If testing will be delayed more than 72 hours, specimens should be frozen at -70°C or colder.
  • Specimens stored at 2-8°C must be received by the laboratory within 72 hours of collection.
Specimen Transportation
  • Ship specimens to arrive at the laboratory Tuesday - Friday.  
  • Ship unfrozen specimens on icepacks. 
  • Ship frozen specimens on dry ice. 
  • Specimens must be placed in an individual biohazard bag with absorbent material. 
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R Parts 171-180).
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection  
  • The following specimens will be rejected and reported as "unsatisfactory":

           - Specimens that broke or leaked in transit

           - No specimen was in the container submitted

           - Improper specimen type submitted

           - Specimen was received at improper temperature

           - Improper labeling of specimen

           - Unfrozen specimens received after 72 hours of collection
Testing Location
  • Nashville

Laboratory Reporting

Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee, as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2026 are indicated, and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.

 

Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers

Clinical Summary

  • A global outbreak caused by a new Influenza A virus strain to which most people have little or no immunity. 
  • It spreads quickly among people and can overwhelm healthcare systems. 
  • Symptoms resemble seasonal flu but may be more severe and widespread, leading to higher hospitalization and death rates.
  • Prevention includes surveillance, rapid vaccine development, antiviral drugs, and public health measures like social distancing. 

Healthcare Provider Reporting

Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.

Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:

• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857

• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.

• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting. 

• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link. 

Information about this Reportable Disease for the Public

What It Is

Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of a new influenza A virus. It spreads easily because most people lack immunity. It affects all ages and can cause severe illness. Occurs rarely but can be widespread and deadly.

Types

Caused by new strains of Influenza A viruses only. Different from seasonal flu and avian or swine flu. Each pandemic strain is genetically unique. Examples include 1918, 1957, 1968, and 2009 pandemics.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Fatigue, chills, and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. Can progress to pneumonia or breathing difficulty. Severe cases lead to hospitalization or death.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir may reduce severity. Supportive care with fluids, rest, and oxygen if needed. Vaccines are developed for the specific pandemic strain. Prevention includes hygiene and public health measures.

This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM