Epidemiological surveillance involves the continuous and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data. For respiratory diseases, this can include:
- Case Reporting: Health professionals report cases of respiratory diseases to public health authorities. - Laboratory Testing: Diagnostic tests confirm the presence of specific pathogens. - Hospital Databases: Data from hospital admissions and discharges provide insights into disease trends. - Outbreak Investigations: Public health officials investigate outbreaks to identify sources and implement control measures.