Clinical outcomes and economic burden of seasonal influenza and other respiratory virus infections in hospitalized adults

Abstract

The cost of influenza and other respiratory virus infections should be determined to analyze the real burden of these diseases. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and cost of illness due to respiratory virus infections in hospitalized adult patients. Hospitalized patients who had nasal swab sampling for a suspected viral infection between August 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 were included. Outcome variables were oxygen requirement, mechanical ventilation need, intensive care unit admission, and cost. At least one viral pathogen was detected in 125 (47.7%) of 262 patients who were included in the study. Fifty‐five (20.9%) of the patients were infected with influenza. Influenza‐positive patients had higher rates for respiratory support, intensive care unit admission, and mortality compared to all other patients. The average cost of hospitalization per person was 2879.76 USD in the influenza‐negative group, while the same cost was 3274.03 USD in the influenza‐positive group. Although all of the vaccinated influenza‐positive patients needed oxygen support, neither of them required invasive mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit admission. The average hospitalization cost per person was 779.70 USD in the vaccinated group compared to 3762.01 USD in the unvaccinated group. Disease‐related direct cost of influenza in the community was estimated as 22 776 075.61 USD in the 18−65 years of age group and 15 756 120.02 USD in the 65 years of age and over group per year. Influenza, compared to other respiratory virus infections, can lead to untoward clinical outcomes and mortality as well as higher direct medical costs in adults.

Estimating the economic burden of influenza on the older population in Malaysia

“…Our results were slightly lower than those of a previous study that reported mean estimated costs of USD8,330 for hospitalised patients aged 65-84 years [11]. Meanwhile, a recent study reported comparable results, with the average cost of hospitalisation per person being USD3,274 in the influenza-positive group, which included adults aged �18 years in the study population [26]. Our results indicated that influenza imposed a substantial annual economic burden.…”

The Hospital Burden of Flu in Italy: a retrospective study on administrative data from season 2014–2015 to 2018–2019

“…Overall, the average cost (SD) per-inpatient stay was €4,007 (€ 7,620) for all epidemic seasons. Similarly, a recent study [ 49 ] on Turkish population aged > 18 years referring to the epidemic season 2018–2019 showed daily hospital costs equal to 3,274 USD in the influenza-positive group ( N = 55), a higher value than non-influenza patients ( N = 137; 2,765 USD) but also patients admitted with other respiratory infections but not influenza ( N = 70; 3,103 USD). Taken together, our data highlight the significant clinical burden of seasonal influenza mainly on vulnerable individuals, and the high economic impact on the Italian healthcare system.…”

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Cleistocaltone A, an Inhibitor of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

“…Viral infections pose a significant economic burden and societal threat worldwide. [1][2][3] The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V -2 ) has starkly highlighted the risks posed by respiratory viruses to vulnerable populations and the urgent need for effective antivirals. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is also a poten t respiratory pathogen and is responsible for high levels of acut e lower respiratory tract infections in infants, the elderly an d immunocompromi sed adults.…”