The management of influenza in people of working age.
Influenza is common, causing considerable morbidity and sickness absence from work in most winters. Influenza vaccines have been available for >40 years, but are not extensively used in the workforce (in the UK). Amantadine has been available for 25 years as a treatment and prophylactic against influenza A infection, but has scarcely been used. In the last 3 years, two neuraminidase inhibitor antivirals, zanamivir and oseltamivir, have been introduced to the market for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B infections. This review focuses on aspects of prevention and treatment of influenza appropriate to people of working age. Decisions based on the cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment options differ when viewed from the perspective of the healthcare provider, the employer or the employee. Options currently available need to be directed to a wider range of people than those conventionally regarded as the target risk group.
Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 54 Lordswood Road, Birmingham B17 9DB, UK. Dfleming@rcgpbhamresunit.nhs.uk
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D000081:Acetamides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000547:Amantadine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006146:Guanidines; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D053139:Oseltamivir; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006113:United Kingdom; D017132:Workplace; D053243:Zanamivir
D000081:Acetamides; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006146:Guanidines; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids; D053139:Oseltamivir; D000547:Amantadine; D053243:Zanamivir