Problems of case and disease management in outpatient treatment of influenza

Abstract

Influenza needs to be made subject to a rigorous disease management system, since the number of persons affected is very large even in a normal influenza season. In Germany, there are as many as 10,000 fatalities a year. In pandemics, the figure may be several orders higher. The quality of healthcare can be increased by means of a high vaccination rate and timely use of antiviral agents such as zanamivir and oseltamivir. This makes it possible to save on antibiotics and indirect costs. Studies of recent years provide enough evidence for guidelines. Given timely treatment, there is no need for cross-sectoral healthcare, because the family doctor can handle both the vaccination program and the antiviral therapy. If an influenza wave is confirmed by official statistics, clinical diagnosis alone is sufficient. The course of the illness can be influenced by the insured person's own initiative. Readiness to be vaccinated and the timely start of treatment depend on the extent to which the insured person is informed. The disease involves high financial cost in terms of indirect expenses. The possible vaccination and treatment measures should therefore be propagated within companies as well.