This is a fascinating snapshot of Americans’ attitudes about the pandemic.

Yes, they think it will bring serious illness this fall and winter—-but it will not hit them.

The full story shows that there is concern about any school closings because those can directly affect parents’ income.

Medpage Today

“Most Americans think the pandemic H1N1 flu will cause serious, widespread illness this coming fall and winter — but not for themselves or their families — a Harvard survey found.

“Among more than 1,800 adults across the country, 15% said it was very likely and 44% said it was somewhat likely that there would be serious outbreaks with the return of cooler weather, according to Robert Blendon, ScD, of the Harvard School of Public Health, and colleagues.

“….according to the Harvard survey of 1,823 adults, most people don’t think H1N1 will affect them or their loved ones in the next year. Only 14% were very concerned they or a family member would get sick, while 61% said they were not concerned.

“That percentage was unchanged from that of a similar survey conducted at the beginning of May by Dr. Blendon’s group, before the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on June 11.” (See Hand Hygiene Up, Fear Down in H1N1 Outbreak)

Source: Harvard School of Public Health study in cooperation with the CDC

Story: Medpage Today in cooperation with ABC News, July 17, 2009