[Study of flu costs].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the costs of influenza epidemics in Spanish society.


METHODS
Observational, longitudinal, and multi-centre study of healthcare and non-healthcare resource use associated with flu.


METHODS
Two primary care centres, 3 hospital emergency services, and the medical service at an old people's home.


METHODS
A total of 662 individuals diagnosed with flu who attended


METHODS
Direct and indirect costs of flu in Spanish society.


RESULTS
The 60.7% of diagnosed cases of flu included in the study came from hospital emergency services, 36.9% from primary health care centres, and 2.4% from an old people's home. During the epidemic period, flu in Spain costs about 1036.9 million euros, taking incidence at 7.9%. Flu-derived costs are higher in over-65 and chronic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Influenza costs fall mainly on hospitals and work through time off. The cost of flu is higher among patients considered to be risk groups.
Badia Llach
Xavier
X
Health Outcomes Research Europe, Barcelona, España.
Roset Gamisans
Montserrat
M
Francés Tudel
José M
JM
Alvarez Sanz
Concha
C
Rubio Terrés
Carlos
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology