Association between the acquisition of influenza-like illness and the frequent use of public transport

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.