Swine flu (Jul 2009)

Main findings of a TNS Omnibus survey to a representative sample of 1015 GB adults aged 16-64, conducted online 21st-23rd July 2009. Click here for the full data tables.

Level of concern and proximity

•More of the sample appear to have everyday worries about being able to pay the monthly bills rather than about Swine Flu. (Score 8-10 on a 1-10 ‘worry’ scale; 40% and 28% respectively). Parents of young children (0-5’s) are the most worried about it (45% score 8-10).
•A third (34%) know somebody who has been properly diagnosed with Swine Flu; rising to 43% amongst parents of children aged 15 or under.
•43% of those in the North West said they know somebody diagnosed with Swine Flu – the highest regional reading in our survey. The lowest region being Scotland at 18%.
•One in 20 (5%) have had Swine Flu in their immediate household.

Being Informed and Prepared

•Our survey found that in the main it is considered clear how to get a diagnoses and also to find available information to spot symptoms (64% and 71% respectively)
•More hand washing and cleansing with alcohol-based wipes/gel is taking place; (63% and 12% respectively). Parents of 0-5’s are particularly adopting wipes/gels – 20% have bought these specifically with Swine Flu in mind.
•The most obvious immediate protection mechanism is to avoid those with a cough or runny nose – 56% say they are taking this action
•Benefits of being fit and healthy are recognised; 60% say they are trying to keep this way in order to deal with any symptoms more effectively. 49% are trying to eat more fruit and vegetables to boost their immune system. 25% are taking more vitamin/mineral/health supplements.
•Around a quarter of the total sample (23%) have bought something specifically for the preparation or prevention of Swine Flu from a stated list of items. This rises to a third (33%) of parents of younger 0-5 children.
•Just over half (53%) have a ‘flu friend’ – a friend or neighbour who could get medication or food if necessary, whilst 29% are somebody else’s ‘flu friend’.

Behaviour Modification

•The most immediate seasonal impact could be felt by the holiday market, but only a tiny 2% of the total sample say they have changed their main summer holiday plans because of concerns about Swine Flu. A further 6% are still uncertain about their plans.
•Through fear of contracting Swine Flu, 5% are stopping or cutting back on air travel, 3% on Grocery shopping trips and 2% on other shopping trips.
•Crowded areas are purposely being avoided by around 1 in 10 of the sample (11%), just under 1 in 10 (9%) are avoiding public transport.

At work

•When it comes to informing staff what to do if they or immediate members of their household contract Swine Flu, Employers need to do more to either implement or raise awareness of existing policies. Of those working full or part time in the sample (611), over half (58%) said their workplace either did not have had a clear policy about what to do, or they didn’t know if there was one in place.
•Employers could experience resourcing issues; The total sample were suspicious of Swine Flu being used as an excuse to avoid work; 72% thought some people will use it as an excuse not to work when they really just have a cold.