Examining the use of antiviral prophylaxis for influenza outbreaks in residential aged care facilities in NSW, Australia

Abstract

Background: Influenza attack rates in closed population settings, such as residential aged care facilities (RACFs), can be more than 50% during annual epidemics. Uncertainty about the effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) as prophylaxis for influenza outbreaks has led to variations in their use in RACFs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Objectives: To examine the use of prophylactic NAIs by NSW RACFs for residents during influenza outbreaks in the 2015 influenza season. Methods: A prospective cohort study of influenza outbreaks reported to NSW Public Health Units from 1 June 2015 – 31 October 2015. Results: Eighty-eight RACFs reported influenza outbreaks; 86 were included in the study. Fifty-two RACFs used prophylactic NAIs; 34 did not. The median time to start NAI prophylaxis from the onset date of the first case was 8.5 days (range 2–23). The average proportion of residents within a facility that received prophylaxis was 51% (range 0.7–95). Conclusion: Variations in the use of prophylactic NAIs exist across RACFs. Earlier initiation of NAI prophylaxis, improved resident coverage where appropriate and other practice changes are recommended for the management of influenza outbreaks in RACFs.

Keywords

• influenza
• antiviral
• aged care