Abstract
BackgroundInfluenza-like illness (ILI) is a common disease that imposes a severe disease burden at the population level. ILI management is important in view of population health, and Japan’s management is distinct from that in other countries, especially regarding diagnosis and treatment of seasonal influenza. This study’s main objective was to quantitatively assess ILI management in Japanese healthcare settings.MethodsIn February 2019, we conducted an online survey of 600 participants in 200 households concerning ILI and its management in Japan. Respondents reported ILI episodes they and/or their family members experienced during January 2019. The 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Version 2 (SF-12v2) was included in the questionnaire to estimate quality of life (QOL) lost through ILI, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost in that way. We analyzed participants’ healthcare-seeking behavior to clarify the characteristics of Japanese ambulatory care for ILI.ResultsOf the participants, 261 of 600 (43.5%) reported at least one episode of ILI during January 2019. Of these, 194 (75.5%) visited healthcare facilities and 167 (86.1%) visited facilities within 2 days of symptom onset. A rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) was given to 169 of 191 (88.5%) and 101 patients received a diagnosis of influenza, rather than ILI. Antivirals were used to treat 92.2% of the influenza cases. The median values of QOL and QALYs lost during a symptomatic period of ILI were 0.67 (interquartile range: 0.60–0.79) and 0.0055 (interquartile range: 0.0040–0.0072), respectively.ConclusionIn Japan, most ILI patients visit healthcare facilities in the early phase of symptoms, and most physicians examine them using the RIDT. Most laboratory-diagnosed influenza cases are treated using antivirals. Future work should examine the relation between this early diagnosis and treatment practice, and the duration and severity of ILI symptoms. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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