Half of Arizonans avoiding large crowds because of flu – Phoenix Business Journal:
One out of three Arizonans don’t know the H1N1 and swine flus are the same illness, and almost half say they are staying away from large crowds because of flu worries.
An Arizona State University poll released Monday shows state residents have differing perceptions as well as some misperceptions about the H1N1 flu.
The survey showed 66 percent of the 725 Arizonans surveyed in October correctly correlated the H1N1 to the swine flu. Thirty-four percent failed to do so.
The ASU poll showed 53 percent of those 65 years or older knew the swine flu and H1N1 were the same thing compared to 73 percent of those ages 33 to 65 and 82 percent of those 35 years of age or younger. Sixty-nine percent of non-Hispanics correctly equated the H1N1 to the swine flu while 54 percent of Hispanics were able to make that correct link.
The survey also showed 45 percent of those surveyed are avoiding large crowds such as concerts and sporting events. Another 24 percent said they’ve stopped shaking hands and another 13 percent said they’ve stopped hugging and kissing because of the flu.
The ASU poll also found 47 percent said they would go to the emergency room because of a flu-related fever and 52 percent of those surveyed planned to get the H1N1 vaccinations. Forty-one percent said they wouldn’t get the new flu vaccine.
