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ANN ARBOR, MI – A recent national poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has revealed significant concerns among parents regarding the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, commonly known as bird flu. The survey, which included 2,021 parents of children aged 18 and younger, highlights a widespread feeling of being underinformed and anxious about potential outbreaks.
According to the poll, only 43% of parents feel they can access accurate and current information about bird flu. This lack of perceived reliable information is compounded by varying opinions on the severity of the situation. While one in five parents believe the media is exaggerating the threat, a substantial 41% believe the government should be doing more to prevent an outbreak.
The poll also explored the actions parents are taking to protect their families. One-third of respondents reported taking preventative measures, with the most common being increased attention to general hygiene (22%). Other actions included increased caution when handling eggs, chicken, and beef (13%), avoiding contact with birds and wild animals (12%), avoiding raw milk (10%), and reducing consumption of eggs, chicken, and beef (7%).
A significant 25% of parents expressed serious worry about the potential for animal-to-human or human-to-human transmission of the virus. Furthermore, a third of parents lack confidence in the government’s ability to contain an outbreak. Only 18% expressed high confidence in state or federal authorities’ capacity to remove infected animals or products from the food supply, and just 22% are very confident in the government’s ability to communicate necessary recalls or product disposal.
Parents are primarily relying on news reports (78%) for information, followed by social media (31%) and internet searches (19%). Notably, fewer parents are turning to family and friends (15%), government agencies (11%), or healthcare providers (11%) for information.
“There appears to be a gap in public confidence when it comes to the national response to bird flu,” stated Sarah Clark, M.P.H., codirector of the Mott Poll, in a Michigan Medicine news release. “Misinformation and uncertainty can fuel anxiety, so it’s critical that health officials communicate transparently about containment efforts and food safety to reassure families.”
The poll underscores the need for clear, consistent, and accessible information regarding bird flu to address parental concerns and build public trust in containment and safety measures.
More information: Poll
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Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided poll results and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or public health advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on avian influenza, please consult with your healthcare provider or refer to reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
