Influenza-Like Symptom Incidence, Illness-Associated Expenses, and Economic Impact Among Healthcare Personnel in Thailand: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study (2020–2021)

Abstract

Objectives: We estimated influenza-like symptom (ILS) incidence among healthcare personnel (HCP) in four hospitals and the economic impact due to ILS in the Thai HCP population during July 2020–June 2021 (Thailand’s expected 2020 influenza season), which also coincided with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We followed HCP, in a prospective observational cohort, weekly for ≥1 of: muscle pain, cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. We fitted population-averaged Poisson regression models to identify factors associated with acquiring ILS and to calculate ILS incidence. We applied epidemiologic parameters to Thailand’s HCP population (227 349 persons) to estimate economic impact. Results: Of 2184 participants, adjusted all-cause ILS incidence was 6.1 episodes per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 3.4–10.9). Among Thailand’s HCP population, 13 909 ILS episodes were estimated to occur annually and would result in US$235 135 economic loss. Controlling for study site and calendar month, factors associated with acquiring ≥1 ILS versus no ILS included being female, having asthma, and using personal protective equipment ‘frequently, but not always’. Conclusions: All-cause ILS resulted in considerable economic loss among Thai HCP workforce. These findings underscore the importance of public health interventions to reduce the risk of acquiring ILS.