Winter 2023-24 has seen an unusual confluence of a variety of respiratory illnesses, ranging from flu to RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and COVID-19. Between December 21, 2023 and January 29, 2024, we surveyed 30,460 individuals aged 18 and older across all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. We asked them if they had experienced an Influenza-like Illness (ILI) defined as experiencing a fever and cough, or a fever and sore throat, and/or if they had been diagnosed with COVID-19, over the previous month. Amongst those who responded yes to such questions, we asked them whether or not they had sought medical attention. In this report, we summarize our findings across a variety of demographic subgroups, including age, race, education, income, gender, and geography.
KEY FINDINGS
- Approximately 10% of Americans reported experiencing illnesses characterized by cough or sore throat in the month before taking the survey (presumably during December 2023 and January 2024).
- The likelihood of reporting such illnesses varied significantly with age, with younger individuals more frequently indicating they had experienced these symptoms.
- Among those who acknowledged having a fever accompanied by cough or sore throat, about 34% sought advice from medical professionals.
- The inclination to consult healthcare providers also showed age-related variation, with older generations being more prone to seek medical consultation.
- Around 28% of Americans have been tested for COVID-19 since October 1st, 2023, with 6% reporting a positive result. Notably, we do not observe significant variation across age groups in the self-diagnosis of COVID-19.
- Finally, 47% of Americans have received or intend to receive a flu vaccination for the current season. Older individuals are more likely to report having received the flu shot compared to their younger counterparts.
