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Patricia Saddier, Daniel Floret, Harry A. Guess, Françoise Dürr, Jean-Claude Peyrieux, David J. Weber, Stanley A. Plotkin, Cost of Varicella in France: A Study in Day Care Centers, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 178, Issue Supplement_1, November 1998, Pages S58–S63, https://doi.org/10.1086/514275
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Abstract
To assess the cost of varicella in young children in France, a prospective study was done in day care centers. Children (1263), who were 3 months to 3 years old and attending day care, were followed over a varicella season. For every child who developed varicella (n = 200), detailed information was obtained by use of parental questionnaires. Questions concerned medical care, days missed from work for parents, and the need for extra baby-sitting. On average, each sick child had one consultation with a physician and received three medications. In half of the families (52%), at least 1 parent had to miss work an average of 4.5 days to care for a sick child. Total costs to society were estimated to be US$352 per family, with medical costs accounting for 22% of the cost. The average eventual cost to parents was $89 per family, including $80 of non-medical costs. This study emphasizes the important socioeconomic impact of varicella in the day care setting in France.