Understanding symptoms and decision making in adults with proven influenza

Introduction/Aim: Influenza is a mainly self-limiting viral condition that can be effectively self-managed, yet adults with influenza often attend the emergency department (ED). This study seeks to understand symptoms in people with proven influenza and patients' decision-making process in seeking acute hospital care. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study of adults with influenza who attended the ED and were discharged home or admitted to hospital was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Fifty letters were sent to potential participants ensuring equal numbers of males and females. Purposive sampling was employed and interview data were thematically analysed. Results: Ten participants with influenza were interviewed and data saturation achieved. Four themes generated were: experience of symptoms and co-morbidity, decision making and seeking advice, influenza information, and additional information and preventive practices. Patients attempted to self-manage their symptoms with limited success and sought hospital care when their self-initiated management strategies failed with little involvement of the general practitioner. Conclusion: This study found adults with influenza attempted to self-manage their symptoms and had limited influenza information. Promotion of the role of the general practitioner in influenza care and accessible influenza self-management information requires consideration.