The impact of influenza and influenza-like illness on productivity and healthcare resource utilization in a working population

TLDR

Four hundred and eleven workers with influenza or influenza‑like illness completed baseline and 28‑day questionnaires at Occupational Health. On average, each I/ILI episode caused 2.4 days of incapacitation, 2.8 missed workdays, and 3.5 days before full productivity, with an average of 6.5 symptoms per episode that correlated positively with bed days, missed work, and healthcare contacts, resulting in substantial medical service use and significant productivity and cost burdens for employers and employees.

Abstract

Four hundred and eleven subjects who either reported to Occupational Health at onset of influenza or influenza-like illness (I/ILI) symptoms or on return to work completed questionnaires on entry to the study and after 28 days. On average they were incapacitated or confined to bed for 2.4 days, missing 2.8 days from work per episode of illness. On return to work, they reported reduced effectiveness and inability to resume normal activity until a mean 3.5 days after the onset of symptoms. Each participant reported a mean of 6.5 I/ILI symptoms. There was a positive correlation between the number of symptoms and bed days (r = 0.24) and missed work days (r = 0.18). There was a positive correlation between the number of healthcare contact and the number of reported symptoms (r = 0.23). A relatively high level of contact with general practitioners and pharmacists was observed and there was substantial use of both prescription and over-the-counter medication. In conclusion, the impact of I/ILI on productivity in a working population and the resultant cost to employers and employees may be considerable.