Seasonal influenza in Spain: Clinical and economic burden and vaccination programmes

A literature review has been carried out to analyse the clinical burden, the economic impact of influenza and the efficiency of influenza vaccination programmes in Spain. The average incidence rate of influenza in Spain is 2,069 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a significant impact on mortality and a reduction of health-related quality of life. In terms of its associated costs, influenza causes a significant burden on primary care, hospitals, treatments and absences from work every year, which could total one billion euros per year. Vaccination is an efficient measure for its prevention and can generate savings for the healthcare system. In conclusion, influenza is a significant health problem which generates a major economic and clinical burden annually; the profiling and measurement of which must be improved.