According to existing literature, there is a suggested correlation between certain vaccinations and oral cavity symptoms. Studies have shown that the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertusis, as well as Polio Vaccinations have an association with presented symptoms of bleeding gums, sores, ulcers, white spots in the mouth or on lips, and unpleasant breath odor. Although these symptoms may not occur simultaneously or directly after administration of the immunization, there has been supported evidence of correlation. Given the relevance of an association between vaccinations and orally manifested side effects, an investigation on the presence of such association with the widely administered flu vaccine was conducted. Data for this work was collected from a population including undergraduate students studying at the University of Central Florida. A brief voluntary online survey requesting demographic information regarding administration of the vaccine as well as any experienced side effects was used. The study was cohort in nature as it tracked subjects with known exposure to the flu shot in the past six months to understand the outcome of interest. Results from the survey were used to determine that there is no correlation between orally manifested side effects and administration of the flu vaccine.

Introducción: El transporte público en ciudades grandes como Lima puede favorecer el contagio de enfermedades transmitidas por aire, debido al hacinamiento, falta de ventilación y una permanencia prolongada en espacios reducidos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 592 universitarios de Lima para evaluar la relación entre el uso frecuente de transporte público y la presencia de síndrome gripal. Se definió síndrome gripal como el autorreporte de fiebre más dolor de garganta o tos en las últimas dos semanas, se evaluó el tipo de transporte más usado para acudir a la universidad. Se calculó los OR crudos y ajustados usando regresión logística simple y múltiple. Resultados: El 12,0% (71/592) presentó síndrome gripal en las últimas dos semanas. Se encontró asociación con el uso de transporte público (OR=3,6; IC95% 1,2- 10,2) y con tener contacto en la casa con alguien con síndrome gripal (OR=1,8; IC95% 1,1- 3,1) en el modelo de regresión logística múltiple. No se encontró asociación con la edad, vacunación frente a la influenza, vivir con niños, fumar cigarrillo y antecedentes patológicos. Conclusión: El uso de transporte público está asociado con la presencia de síndrome gripal en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios de Lima. / Background: Public transport in big cities like Lima may favor the spread of air-borne diseases due to overcrowding, poor ventilation and a prolonged stay in confined spaces. Material and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 592 students from a private university in Lima to evaluate the relationship between the frequent use of public transport and the presence of influenza-like illness (ILI). Self-report of ILI was defined as fever plus cough or sore throat in last two weeks, most used type of transport to go to university. OR crude and adjusted were calculated used simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: 12.0% (71/592) had ILI in the past two weeks. Use of public transport (OR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 10.2) and have contact with someone with ILI at home (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1) were found associated in multiple logistic regression model. No association with age, vaccination against influenza, living with children, smoke and pathological history. In conclusion, the use of public transport is associated with the presence of ILI in a group of university students from Lima.