OBJECTIVES:

To quantify out-of-pocket (OOP) costs (e.g., prescriptions, travel), absenteeism, lost wages and productivity loss due to seasonal influenza among working-aged adults (18-64 years) in the United Kingdom (UK)

METHODS:

An online survey was conducted of a geographically representative sample of 1,000 working-aged adults in the UK in March 2022. The survey included individuals who reported having influenza confirmed by a healthcare professional, or who reported caring for a dependent with confirmed influenza, during an influenza season (October to March) between 2018 and 2022.

RESULTS:

Among 1,000 survey respondents (49% women; 88% White British/Irish/Other and 12% ethnic minority), 883 reported having influenza and 717 reported caring for a dependent with influenza (600 reported both). Among respondents with influenza, 60% (n=529) reported influenza-related OOP costs (median=£30, interquartile range [IQR]:£15-£100); 84% (n=739) were employed and, of these, 82% (n=608) were absent from work for all or some of their illness (median=2 days; IQR:1-3 days), with 31% (n=191) reporting lost wages (median=£200; IQR:£100-£400). Of those who attended work whilst ill (n=379), median self-reported productivity was 55% (IQR:38%-70%). Among respondents who cared for a dependent with influenza, 41% (n=292) reported influenza-related OOP costs (median=£30; IQR:£20- £100); 82% (n=585) were employed and, of these, 61% (n=355) were absent from work for all or some of this time (median=1.4 days, IQR:1-3 days), with 26% (n=93) reporting lost wages (median=£200; IQR:£100-£300). Of those who attended work whilst caring for their dependent (n=366), median self-reported productivity was 68% (IQR:50%-81%).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this geographically representative UK sample, most working-age adults with influenza, or those caring for a dependent with influenza, required time off from work. Many individuals reported OOP costs and lost wages, and those who attended work were markedly less productive. These findings, if extrapolated to the entire UK population, likely represent a substantial economic burden due to seasonal influenza.