Reduced mortality, complications, and economic burden among medicare beneficiaries receiving influenza antivirals

INTRODUCTION: Antiviral therapy may be underutilized in patients at high risk for increased clinical and economic burden (e.g. older adults). We aimed to examine the benefits associated with antiviral treatment of seasonal influenza among treated and untreated Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS: This retrospective study of Medicare Claims Research Identifiable Files identified patients ≥66 years old with an influenza diagnosis in outpatient setting between October 2016-March 2019 (flu seasons 2016-2018). Index date defined as date of first claim with influenza diagnosis; baseline as the 12 months pre-index. Treated patients received antivirals ≤2 days from index. Untreated patients had no antivirals ≤6 months post-index. Treated/untreated patients were 1:1 propensity score matched. Outcomes (death, all-cause and respiratory-related healthcare resource utilization [HCRU] and costs) were assessed until death or up to 6 months post-index. Descriptive statistics were reported; Kaplan-Meier estimation was used for survival over time. RESULTS: < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of antiviral treatment is associated with increased mortality, HCRU, and economic burden in older Medicare beneficiaries with seasonal influenza. Future research should investigate whether the choice of antivirals affects influenza burden.