Harris Poll uncovers 4 flu prevention strategies people turn to before flu shot

NEW YORK – Flu season is nearly here and almost one third of all adults (32%) do not think that having a flu shot will help them avoid getting the flu. In fact, less than half (43%) agree strongly that flu shots will help them avoid it, according to the latest Harris Poll, released Wednesday. On top of that, many people seem not to worry about the flu at all. Over four in ten (42%) adults believe that “people take the flu season too seriously.” 

 

A lot of things are seen as essential when dealing with the flu. Majorities say that all of the following are “must-haves”: tissues (75%), hand soap (64%), cough drops/throat lozenges (58%), cold medicine (54%), cough medicine (53%), pain reliever (53%) and vitamin C (51%). Almost half (49%) also see hand sanitizers as essential.

 

These findings help to explain why a majority of the public did not get flu shots before or during previous flu seasons.

 

To keep from getting the flu, the majority of adults strongly agree that the following can help them avoid getting sick during the flu season more so than a flu shot:

 

Almost half (48%) believe strongly that dressing appropriately for the weather will help them do this, while substantial minorities feel strongly that getting a flu shot (43%), taking vitamins (37%) and using hand sanitizers (37%) will help them to avoid getting ill.

 

Older Americans (those 70 or over), who are especially vulnerable to the flu, are the most likely to strongly believe in the effectiveness of flu vaccines (75% matures vs. 47% baby boomers, 35% gen Xers & 33% millennials) and the least likely to feel the same about homeopathic remedies (8% vs. 14%, 18% & 29%, respectively). 

 

In addition, almost one in five adults (19%) strongly believe that homeopathic remedies will help them. 

 

Keeping the flu bug at bay may mean avoidance of other people or places, including kids. Half (51%) of adults say they limit their contact with children during the flu season and 35% avoid public transportation. When it comes to germ-ridden objects, doors – and their knobs and handles – (32%) top the list of things Americans believe are most likely to hold germs, far ahead of phones (19%), toilets and toilet handles (5%), remote control devices (4%), sponges (4%) and money (4%).

 

However, if they actually do come down with the flu, what people want and expect if they do get the flu varies. Over eight in 10 (81%) adults “just want to be left alone.” While 66% try to “tough it out” and keep going to work, contrary to CDC recommendations that those sick with flu-like symptoms stay home and avoid human contact. Meanwhile, 40% expect to be pampered by their spouse or family members.

 

The Harris Poll surveyed 2,225 U.S. adults online between Oct. 14 and 19, 2015.