Healthcare personnel in 2016–2019 prospective cohort infrequently got vaccinated, worked while ill, and frequently used antibiotics rather than antivirals against viral influenza illnesses

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty about risk of illness and the value of influenza vaccines negatively affects vaccine uptake among persons targeted for influenza vaccination. METHODS: During 2016–2019, we followed a cohort of healthcare personnel (HCP) targeted for free‐of‐charge influenza vaccination in five Lima hospitals to quantify risk of influenza, workplace presenteeism (coming to work despite illness), and absenteeism (taking time off from work because of illness). The HCP who developed acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) (≥1 of acute cough, runny nose, body aches, or feverishness) were tested for influenza using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt‐PCR). FINDINGS: The cohort (2968 HCP) contributed 950,888 person‐days. Only 36 (6%) of 605 HCP who participated every year were vaccinated. The HCP had 5750 ARI and 147 rt‐PCR‐confirmed influenza illnesses. The weighted incidence of laboratory‐confirmed influenza was 10.0/100 person‐years; 37% used antibiotics, and 0.7% used antivirals to treat these illnesses. The HCP with laboratory‐confirmed influenza were present at work while ill for a cumulative 1187 hours. INTERPRETATION: HCP were frequently ill and often worked rather than stayed at home while ill. Our findings suggest the need for continuing medical education about the risk of influenza and benefits of vaccination and stay‐at‐home‐while‐ill policies.