Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health

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Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2020, Pages 184 - 189

Effectiveness of Oseltamivir Prophylaxis in Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Aged Care

Authors
Mithilesh Dronavalli1, Heidi Lord2, 3, Kate Alexander1, Leng Boonwaat1, Narugopal Pal1, Stephanie Mahalia Fletcher-Lartey1, *
1Public Health Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
2Centre for Research in Nursing and Health, St George Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Australia
3Centre for Evidence Based Initiatives in Health Care: A JBI Centre for Excellence, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
*Corresponding author. Email: Stephanie.Fletcher@health.nsw.gov.au
Corresponding Author
Stephanie Mahalia Fletcher-Lartey
Received 17 October 2019, Accepted 20 March 2020, Available Online 15 April 2020.
DOI
10.2991/jegh.k.200402.001How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Influenza; outbreaks; aged care facilities; vaccination; oseltamivir; prophylaxis; public health preparedness
Abstract

Influenza outbreaks in Aged Care Facilities (ACFs) can lead to hospitalizations and deaths. Influenza can spread rapidly through ACFs if precautionary measures are not taken. Along with influenza vaccination and precautionary hygiene measures, Oseltamivir Prophylaxis (OP) may be effective in reducing the attack rate of influenza by preventing new cases. A cohort study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of OP use during influenza outbreaks in ACFs located within South Western Sydney Local Health District from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018. The main outcome assessed was the rate of OP failure (new cases of influenza in patients treated with OP) among ACF residents. Subgroups and various predictors of OP failure were investigated including presence of a dementia ward, high care ward, and days to Public Health Unit (PHU) notification. The cohort consisted of 86 ACF outbreaks involving 10,064 residents. OP prevented 90% of influenza cases during influenza outbreaks [0.1 RR (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.12); P < 0.0001]. ACFs with dementia wards had a 44% (0.56 relative risk (RR) (95% CI: 0.34–0.93); P < 0.05) lower OP failure rate. ACFs with high level care had an 87% (0.13 RR (95% CI: 0.05–0.38); P < 0.05) lower OP failure rate. OP is highly effective in preventing new cases of influenza during outbreaks in ACFs, especially in ACFs with dementia or high care wards. Mandatory reporting of influenza outbreaks to PHUs would ensure that ACFs are supported throughout the outbreak, which will facilitate reductions in hospitalizations and mortality.

Copyright
© 2020 South Western Sydney Local Health District. Published by Atlantis Press International B.V.
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

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<Previous Article In Issue
Journal
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Volume-Issue
10 - 2
Pages
184 - 189
Publication Date
2020/04/15
ISSN (Online)
2210-6014
ISSN (Print)
2210-6006
DOI
10.2991/jegh.k.200402.001How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2020 South Western Sydney Local Health District. Published by Atlantis Press International B.V.
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

Cite this article

risenwbib
TY  - JOUR
AU  - Mithilesh Dronavalli
AU  - Heidi Lord
AU  - Kate Alexander
AU  - Leng Boonwaat
AU  - Narugopal Pal
AU  - Stephanie Mahalia Fletcher-Lartey
PY  - 2020
DA  - 2020/04/15
TI  - Effectiveness of Oseltamivir Prophylaxis in Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Aged Care
JO  - Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
SP  - 184
EP  - 189
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
SN  - 2210-6014
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/jegh.k.200402.001
DO  - 10.2991/jegh.k.200402.001
ID  - Dronavalli2020
ER  -