Healthcare Workers Have More Frequent and Less Severe Influenza-Like Illness Than Non-healthcare Workers: Findings From the PAIVED Study - Report - MDSpire
Advertisement
Healthcare Workers Have More Frequent and Less Severe Influenza-Like Illness Than Non-healthcare Workers: Findings From the PAIVED Study
Influenza-Like Illness More Frequent but Less Severe in Healthcare Workers
Overview
The PAIVED study found that healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced a higher incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) compared to non-HCWs despite vaccination. However, HCWs reported less severe symptoms and fewer days with fever, indicating a distinct illness profile in this population.
Background
Healthcare workers are at increased risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens such as influenza, which can lead to occupational illness and potential transmission to patients. Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for HCWs to reduce infection risk and severity, but adherence remains suboptimal. Prior studies have shown variable illness severity in HCWs, including asymptomatic and afebrile presentations. The PAIVED study provides a large multicenter dataset to compare ILI incidence and severity between HCWs and non-HCWs within a vaccinated population.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Healthcare Workers (HCWs)
Non-Healthcare Workers (Non-HCWs)
Statistical Significance
Participants (n)
4887 (35%)
9062 (65%)
ILI Incidence
24.1%
17.4%
P < .01
Relative Risk of ILI
1.16 (95% CI 1.08, 1.24)
Days of Missed Work
0.28 more days (95% CI 0.01, 0.55)
Days with Fever
0.36 fewer days (95% CI −0.60, −0.13)
Key Findings
Healthcare workers had a significantly higher incidence of influenza-like illness (24.1%) compared to non-healthcare workers (17.4%).
The increased risk of ILI in HCWs persisted after adjustment, with a relative risk of 1.16 (95% CI 1.08–1.24).
No significant differences were observed in specific respiratory pathogen detection between HCWs and non-HCWs.
HCWs reported fewer days with fever and overall less severe ILI symptoms based on FLU-PRO symptom diaries.
Despite more ILIs, HCWs missed slightly more workdays (0.28 days more) than non-HCWs during illness episodes.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare workers remain at elevated risk for influenza-like illness even when vaccinated, underscoring the need for enhanced preventive measures in this group. The generally milder symptom profile and fewer fever days in HCWs may reflect partial immunity or early recognition and management. Clinicians should maintain vigilance for ILI in HCWs to prevent nosocomial transmission and consider strategies beyond vaccination to reduce infection risk.
Conclusion
The PAIVED study demonstrates that healthcare workers experience more frequent but less severe influenza-like illness compared to non-healthcare workers despite vaccination. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to reduce ILI risk in healthcare settings.
References
PAIVED Study Group 2023 -- Influenza-Like Illness in Healthcare Workers vs Non-Healthcare Workers
by Ryan Liberg, Kat Schmidt, Christina Schofield, Anuradha Ganesan, Wesley Campbell, David Hrncir, Tahaniyat Lalani, Tyler Warkentien, Katrin Mende, Ana E Markelz, Catherine M Berjohn, Laurie Housel, Jitendrakumar R Modi, Adam Saperstein, Alan Williams, Bruce McClenathan, Christina Spooner, Srihari Seshadri, Ryan C Maves, John H Powers, Robert J O’Connell, Mark P Simons, Simon D Pollett, Christian L Coles, Rhonda E Colombo, Timothy Burgess, Stephanie A Richard
