Survey: Majority of Americans worry about catching the flu

March 3, 2020

Logan Lutton

Influenza hospitalizes nearly 1 million individuals each year and kills over 80,000. It's no surprise that most Americans worry about catching it.

Influenza remains one of the most widespread and deadly diseases in the U.S., resulting in about 900,000 hospitalizations and more than 80,000 deaths in 2017-18. Stericycle, a medical waste management and document destruction company, recently surveyed Americans regarding their concerns about the flu and experience with the disease. Read on for highlights of their findings.Â

A majority of Americans are concerned about getting the flu

Question: Do you worry about catching the flu?

· Yes: 58%

· No: 39%

· Don’t know: 3%

Most Americans have gotten or plan on getting a flu shot

Q: Do you plan on getting a flu shot this year/flu season?

· Already got/plan on getting a shot: 61%

· Won’t get a shot: 33%

· Don’t know: 6%

The percentage of Americans who have gotten the flu recently is fairly small

Q: In the last year, have you contracted the flu?

· No: 86%

· Yes: 12%

· Don’t know: 2%

The flu’s symptoms are the principal reason why Americans want to avoid it

Q: What concerns you most about getting the flu?

· Feeling ill: 33%

· Giving it to a child/vulnerable family member: 26%

· Missing work/pay: 15%

· Death: 8%

· Don’t know/not concerned about getting it: 18%

The main reason Americans don’t get a flu shot is doubt about its effectiveness

Q: Why are you choosing not to get a flu shot this year?

· Don’t believe it will prevent the flu: 68%

· Fear of needles: 9%

· Cost: 4%

· Lack of access: 3%

· Don’t know: 16%

Doctors’ offices are the most likely place for Americans to get flu shots

Q: Where do you plan on getting/did you get a flu shot?

· Doctor’s office: 47%

· Pharmacy: 34%

· At work: 13%

· Hospital/urgent care clinic: 4%

· Don’t know: 2%

Most Americans recognize the importance of handwashing in keeping the flu from spreading

Q: In your opinion, which of the following options is best at preventing the spread of the flu?

· Washing hands with soap and water: 49%

· Getting a flu shot: 42%

· Using a liquid hand sanitizer: 7%

· Don’t know: 2%