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Prevention and control of influenza by Wisconsin family physicians: a WReN supported study
1University of Wisconsin Medical School, Department of Family Medicine, Madison 53715, USA. jtemte@wingra.fammed.wisc.edu
Problem:
Although patients infected with influenza commonly present to family physicians, little is known about the usual clinical practices utilized by these physicians regarding influenza.
Methods:
A 1-page questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of Wisconsin family physicians. Responses were used to describe current management style and evaluate for possible relationships between management style and demographic and practice variables.
Results:
Completed questionnaires were obtained from 89 (29%) physicians. Influenza was perceived as a moderately important and frequent illness. Physicians estimated that 66% of their high-risk patients received immunization. Antiviral medications were infrequently used, mostly for older patients and those with comorbid conditions. The news media, other physicians and public health officials were the most common sources of information on influenza.
Conclusions:
Family physicians utilize current guidelines for prevention and control of influenza. Improvements can be made in mechanisms to identify high-risk patients and improved access to surveillance reports.