Influenza – prevention or therapy? Decision based on economical reasons and epidemiological data

Steciwko (Katedra i Zakład MR AM Wrocław)

Background
Influenza is a highly infectious disease. Its clinical course depends on natural features of the virus, patient’s age, immunity, alimentation and chronic diseases coexistence (heart, lungs, or diabetes). The proper prophylaxis prevents complicated course and reduces costs of the disease. Evaluation of these costs should include direct and indirect expenses. The direct expenses are related to medical care and include family doctors home visits, consultations, costs of medicines, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, etc. The indirect costs include insurance refunds to a patient, sick leave costs and associated losses in national economy. Moreover the indirect include the negative influence on patient’s life quality and social functions, during the time he is constrained to stay in bed.

Material and methods
The study was made by analysis of data supported by Regional Sanitary−Epidemiologic Station in Wroclaw – analysis of confirmed and suspected cases of influenza in 2005, based on MZ−55 reports, statistical data of Lower Silesia county (The Central Statistical Office data), estimated data of treatment costs based on information from Wroclaw Medical University clinical hospitals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical wholesales.

Results
The biggest morbidity among Lower Silesia population was observed in February and March, in economically active group and youth. The most of complicated cases however, were noted in elders group (> 65). The estimated costs of vaccination of whole Lower Silesian population would be lower than economical costs of treatment of influenza and its complications.

Key words: influenza, complications, costs, vaccination