摘要：Objectives: Influenza viruses are highly contagious. Medical and dental students are at risk of occupational exposure to influenza and their risk of infection is greater compared to the general population.The aim of the study was to characterize the risk perception and behavior modification of medical and dental students due to the emergence of a novel influenza virus. Furthermore, we evaluate attitudes concerning the seasonal and swine flu vaccination and vaccination rates. Methods: A survey was conducted among medical and dental students, using an anonymous questionnaire, at a medical school during a flu vaccination campaign. Results: Overall, 40.1% of the medical and 36% of the dental students of the clinical part of the Frankfurt Medical School (n = 571/1,450) took part in the vaccination campaign and completed the anonymous questionnaire. The main reason for compliance with the seasonal and swine flu vaccination was the protection of patients (cited by over 90% of the students). Most of the students stated that the risk of occupational exposure to and subsequent contraction of seasonal and H1N1/2009 influenza (“swine flu”) is elevated in comparison with the entire population. However, more than half of the students did not change their “risk-prevention” behavior owing to the emergence of the novel influenza virus H1N1/2009. Conclusions: Encouraging medical students to be vaccinated against flu and the implementation of an education program which emphasizes that the need for personal precautions and physical interventions ought to play a vital role in stopping the transmission, thereby reducing institutional outbreaks and minimizing the burden of influenza-like illnesses among students.
