A recent health survey by the University of Pennsylvania has revealed that over a third of American adults are apprehensive about the possibility of themselves or their family members contracting the seasonal flu, COVID-19, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in the holiday season.
This trio of viruses, often referred to as the “tripledemic,” posed significant challenges to healthcare facilities last winter.
The survey, conducted from October 5 to 12, 2023, with a panel of over 1,500 US adults, indicates an increased awareness and concern about RSV, a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness, particularly in infants and older adults.
This heightened concern comes as some parts of Texas are already experiencing hospitals crowded with children affected by RSV.
Interestingly, there’s no consensus among the US public on which of these viruses is more likely to cause severe illness.
The responses varied, with 22% pointing to COVID-19, 13% to RSV, and 7% to the seasonal flu. A significant 41% believe they are equally likely to cause severe illness, and 16% are unsure.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY
- RSV Concern: 35% of respondents are worried about RSV infections in the coming three months, a slight increase from 32% in January 2023. However, about 65% are not concerned.
- COVID-19 Concern: Concern about COVID-19 has risen to 35% from 21% in August 2023, mirroring the level of concern from the previous winter (36% in January 2023). Approximately 65% are not worried.
- Flu Concern: Concern about the seasonal flu remains steady, with 39% worried about contracting it in the next three months. Around 61% are not worried.
- Long-term Complications: Nearly one-third (31%) know someone who believes they are suffering long-term complications from COVID-19, and 17% know someone with long-term effects from the flu.
- Flu Vaccination Rates: There’s a notable decrease in flu vaccination rates, with only 21% having received the flu shot this season, compared to 26% in mid-October 2022 and 38% in early November 2021.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center and director of the survey, expressed concern over the drop in flu vaccination rates, emphasizing the importance of annual flu shots in preventing serious infection and indicating acceptance of other CDC-recommended vaccines.
The survey, part of the 13th wave of a nationally representative panel first empaneled in April 2021, was conducted by SSRS, an independent market research company. It has a margin of sampling error of ±3.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
This survey highlights the ongoing public health challenge posed by respiratory illnesses and the need for continued vigilance and vaccination to mitigate their impact.
If you care about lung health, please read studies about marijuana’s effects on lung health, and why some non-smokers get lung disease and some heavy smokers do not.
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