Table 1.
Demographic characteristics of participants randomized to influenza vaccine or oseltamivir prophylaxis for the 2007–2008 influenza season in Toronto, Canada
| Demographic variable | Vaccine group N = 12 (%*) | Oseltamivir group N = 42 (%*) | P‐value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age (range) | 41·3 years (25–63 years) | 40·6 years (25–64 years) | 0·80 |
| Sex | |||
| Female | 9 (75) | 28 (67) | 0·73 |
| Diagnosed with asthma | 0 | 5 (12) | 0·58 |
| Current prescription medication | 6 (50) | 25 (60) | 0·50 |
| Influenza vaccine | |||
| Not in past 3 years | 0 | 7 (17) | |
| 1 or 2 years | 4 (33) | 8 (19) | |
| All 3 years | 8 (67) | 25 (60) | 0·30 |
| Smoker (current) | 1 (8) | 9 (21) | 0·29 |
| Works in acute care | 11 (92) | 35 (83) | 0·67 |
| Direct patient care | 6 (50) | 19 (45) | 0·77 |
| Works in ED, ICU, or medical unit | 7 (58) | 16 (38) | 0·32 |
| Works with patients with ARI** | 9 (75) | 22 (52) | 0·20 |
| Works with children | 1 (8) | 1 (2) | 0·35 |
| Takes public transit for work or school commute | 7 (58) | 23 (55) | 0·89 |
| Household size | |||
| 1 person | 2 (17) | 6 (14) | |
| 2 people | 3 (25) | 11 (26) | |
| 3+ people | 7 (58) | 24 (57) | 0·98 |
| Child <2 years in home | 2 (17) | 1 (2) | 0·12 |
| Child in day care in home | 3 (25) | 5 (12) | 0·36 |
ARI, acute respiratory illness; ED, emergency department; HCW, health care worker; ICU, intensive care unit.
*Of those responding to the question.
**Work that routinely brings the HCW into contact with patients who have ARI during winter cold or influenza season, including those with cough, influenza‐like illness or pneumonia.