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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Nearly two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this year, according to Walgreens 2018-2019 Flu Season Survey.
The survey reported that with missed holiday parties and postponed vacations, last year’s flu season led to loads of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as the strain of Influenza A led to more serious complications and higher rates of hospitalization nationwide. Public health advocates urged those with the flu to keep it as contained as possible, which meant missing holiday parties, travel excursions and enjoying time with family and friends.
Key findings included:
- FOMO was a dominant survey result, as 82% of Americans say having the flu made them miss out on things they wanted to do.
- 31% said the flu made them miss time with family, 28% on plans with friends, 16% on exercise, and 15% on entertainment.
- While half of millennials (52%) actually look forward to catching up on their favorite TV shows while battling the flu, two-thirds (70%) still plan to get the flu shot this year. Protect Yourself and Others at Work Protection against germs on shared objects such as telephones, keyboards, and transit rails is even more important as flu season approaches. Early methods to protect yourself and others, such as the flu vaccine, give people the chance to help themselves and others.
- Nearly 40% of respondents report going to work when sick with the flu, and one in 10 reports attending a party or social gathering.
- 88% of Americans who had the flu say it made them more concerned about contamination and germs.
- Two in five American seniors stay home (41%) and avoid public gatherings (40%) to protect themselves from the flu. Since 2010, more than 60 million Americans have received their flu vaccine from Walgreens, and this season, Walgreens aims to protect more Americans from the flu. Flu vaccines from Walgreens pharmacies are accessible and available at no cost through most health insurance providers. Don’t Wait for a Vaccination The 2017-18 flu season was one of the most severe in the U.S. and it hit early, per a recent bulletin issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To avoid the flu this year, Americans should take preventative measures as soon as possible.
- More than half (54%) of Americans, including two-thirds (66%) of millennials ages 25-34, plan to get the flu vaccine earlier this year than they have in past years.
- Of seniors (65+) who plan to get the flu vaccine earlier this year, 83% say it’s better to protect against the flu sooner.
- 40% of Americans say that this season’s flu severity will be the same severity as last year’s flu season, while 12% say it will be worse (30% don’t know)
