Influenza Vaccination of Romanian Medical Students and Resident Physicians-A Matter of Accessibility.

In Romania, influenza vaccination of healthcare professionals is recommended, but not mandatory. This study aims to investigate the attitudes and behaviors of medical students and resident physicians-the youngest healthcare professionals-towards influenza immunization, focusing on the barriers and facilitators, as well as on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous online survey was conducted during the 2021/2022 influenza season, with responses from332 medical students and resident physicians. The majority (73.5%) were not vaccinated against influenza (68% of the students, 52.3% of the residents), although they were vaccinated against COVID-19 (94% students, 94.8% resident physicians) and believed that the pandemic positively influenced their attitude towards influenza vaccination. Vaccine accessibility (p < 0.001) and the necessity to pay for vaccination (p < 0.001) were identified as barriers in both groups, while lack of recommendation from a medical professional/teacher was significant only for students (p < 0.001). Forgetfulness and lack of prioritizations were the most cited reasons for not being vaccinated. These barriers could be diminished through proactive recommendation and simplification of the vaccination process, with accessible vaccination centers and implementation of vaccine reimbursement policies. Improved vaccination rates in young medical professionals are of the utmost importance both in their professional settings and as a model for the general population.

The Role of CMV Infection in Primary Lesions, Development and Clinical Expression of Atherosclerosis.

The number of deaths related to cardiovascular disease is increasing every year, despite all available therapies and the aggressive campaigns for lifestyle modification and prevention of risk factors. Atherosclerosis is a complex process underlying cardiovascular disease. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is often associated to atherosclerosis and its clinical expression such as coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. CMV infection may promote acute atherosis within placentas from women with preeclampsia and it may also accelerate atherosclerosis in HIV-infected and organ-transplanted patients. This review focuses on the current scientific evidence for the role of CMV infection in the development of acute atherosis and atherosclerosis from placentation throughout life.