Most say serious outbreak of H1N1 likely

BOSTON, July 16 (UPI) -- A majority of Americans think widespread H1N1 flu, with many getting very sick this fall or winter, is somewhat or very likely, a U.S. survey indicates.

However, the survey by the Harvard Opinion Research Program at Harvard School of Public Health says even though 60 percent of those asked said they believe a serious outbreak is likely, 61 percent of Americans are not concerned that they or their family members will get sick from influenza A H1N1 in the next year.

The recent outbreak of H1N1 flu has resulted in schools closing to stem the spread of the flu. Twenty-six percent of parents report that they or someone in their household would likely lose their job or business as a result of having to stay home to care for children.

If people had to stay home for a week to 10 days because they were sick or because they had to care for a family member, 44 percent indicate they would be likely to lose pay or income, and 25 percent reported that they would be likely to lose their job or business.

The survey of 1,823 U.S. adults was conducted by telephone -- including both landline and cell phone -- by SSRS/ICR of Media June 22-28. The margin of error is plus/minus 2.8 percentage points.