Antibiotic Prescribing during Influenza-like Illnesses in Conakry, Guinea in 2020

Introduction: Despite the viral etiology of influenza, antibiotics are most often inappropriately prescribed. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of antibiotic prescription during influenza-like illnesses. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective descriptive study over a six-month period at the influenza sentinel surveillance site of Gbéssia Port I in Conakry. Patients presenting with influenza-like illness were included. Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected. Results: During the study period, a total of 1,823 consultations were conducted at the health facility, among which 368 cases of influenza-like illness were diagnosed. The mean age was 14.10 ± 16.20 years. A female predominance was observed (52.72%), and 60.60% of patients were not attending school. No patient had been vaccinated against influenza. Prior self-medication with antibiotics was reported in 21.20% of cases. Clinically, the main symptoms were cough (96.20%), fever (92.66%), and rhinorrhea (81.79%). Influenza RT-PCR was positive for H3N2 in three cases. Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in 92.11% of patients at the end of the consultation. Cotrimoxazole was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (69.02%), followed by amoxicillin (30.38%). Conclusion: Training and education of healthcare staff on the viral etiology of influenza are necessary for better case management and rational use of antibiotics.