Moscow, November 18 (Interfax) - The number of Russians worrying about contracting the A(H1N1) flu virus commonly known also as swine flu grew to 70% in November from 57% in September, while the number of those whose fears about this are great has nearly doubled to 27% from 14%, the VTsIOM public opinion center reported based on a poll conducted in 140 communities in 42 regions of Russia on Nov. 14-15.
The number of Russians confident that they and their family members have no reasons to fear this flu subtype dropped to 17% from 23%, the poll showed.
Nearly half of those polled – 45% – are sure that A(H1N1) is more dangerous than regular seasonal flu, another 35% are of the view that this virus is about as dangerous, and only 4% believe the danger of A(H1N1) is lower than that of the seasonal variety.
As many as 27% believe that A(H1N1) is harder to endure and treat and that it is more likely to cause complications, 3% each said that this flu subtype is examined not as well as the seasonal one, that this is caused by a wholly different flu strain, and that its symptoms are different from that of regular flu, and 2% each that A(H1N1) spreads more quickly and is harder to diagnose.
At the same time, 27% believe that A(H1N1) does not have significant differences from regular flu, and 4% are sure that the fears surrounding this flu subtype are being fomented artificially.
Among preventative measures against A(H1N1), 38% mentioned observance of hygienic rules, 34% are trying to eat more vitamins, vegetables, and fruits, 24% try to avoid mass concentration of people, 20% are taking antiviral and immune-stimulating medications, 15% limiting their appearance outdoors, 9% wearing facemasks, and 8% doing sports.
As many as 30% are not doing anything special to protect themselves from A(H1N1), the poll showed.
