Although most college students are part of the 17 percent of Americans not included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine recommendations, a new study suggests that they may be among the major beneficiaries of a flu shot.
The study, in this weeks issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, found that college students who have been immunized against the flu were 30 percent less likely to contract an influenza illness, and were also less likely to miss class or become unable to complete work because of flu-like illness.
"Influenza-like illness is responsible for a substantial disease burden among college students, and vaccination is associated with substantial benefits," said Dr. Kristin Nichol, chief of medicine at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and one the study's authors.
The researchers conducted an online survey of University of Minnesota students at the Twin Cities campus for four flu seasons, with each year's survey beginning in October and ending in April. For the final year of the study, researchers also collected data from students at St. Olaf's college in Northfield, Minn.
In addition to the 30 percent reduction in flu illness, vaccinated students were 47 percent less likely to visit a doctor for flu, 32 percent less likely to miss class and 47 percent less likely to do poorly on a test.
In addition to the reduced illnesses for the students themselves, the study authors noted that immunizations of college students could help keep influenza from spreading.
"They're a population that has interaction and access with lots of folks in the community." said Dr. Edward Ehlinger, director of the University of Minnesota's health service and another of the study's authors.
Ehlinger noted that the communities would not be the only ones affected by students carrying the flu virus.
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"During the peak of the flu season, they're traveling all over the world," he said. "They're a perfect vehicle to spread influenza around."
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