Sickness absence due to influenza.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Influenza causes significant socio-economic consequences, including substantial sickness absence from work.
• Limited data exist on influenza's specific impact on the workforce, with most research focusing on interventions like immunization.
• The health sector presents unique challenges due to healthcare worker exposure and potential for nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of influenza on work and the effectiveness of influenza immunization as an intervention.
• To explore the cost-effectiveness of influenza immunization in reducing sickness absence.
• To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions in occupational influenza management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature, focusing on randomized controlled trials of influenza immunization in the workplace.
• Analysis of data concerning sickness absence rates attributed to influenza.
• Consideration of specific factors within the healthcare industry relevant to influenza impact and prevention.

Main Results:

• Five randomized controlled trials on workplace influenza immunization were identified, with mixed results on sickness absence reduction.
• Influenza immunization may provide modest benefits, particularly when community incidence is high.
• The cost-effectiveness of influenza immunization for reducing sickness absence is not definitively proven.

Conclusions:

• Further research is necessary to establish the cost-effectiveness of influenza immunization and understand factors influencing its uptake.
• A targeted approach to immunizing specific job categories may be a practical interim strategy.
• Occupational health strategies should consider the unique risks and behaviors within the healthcare sector.