Acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) are diseases of the respiratory system that are of sudden onset (history of ≤10 days). Symptoms include – cough (new or worsening cough), runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, and chills or hotness of the body. The ARIs are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality; and the overall burden of disease based on disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Common causes include viruses (influenza, RSV, rhinoviruses, adenovirus, coronaviruses, etc.), bacteria (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, S. aureus, etc.), and environmental agents (air pollution, smoking etc.). Children aged <5 years, pregnant women, elderly, and comorbid persons have an increased risk of severe ARI outcomes. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a higher risk of exposure to ARIs compared to the general population. HCWs may also transmit these ARIs to their patients, colleagues, and social networks.  

The most common occupational infections of concern among HCWs are viral respiratory infections (influenza, coronaviruses, etc.), tuberculosis, and hepatitis B and C. This study focusses on viral ARIs due to their high transmissibility, severe outcomes among those vulnerable, challenges with diagnostics and therapies. Further, limited data exists on the burden of ARIs among HCWs. In 2016, Kenya Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) found little data to support proposals for HCWs flu vaccination.