COLUMBUS, Ohio — As COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia and the flu all continue to spread, a new survey from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds many Americans have become apathetic to just how dangerous this year may be.
When Joe James tested positive for COVID-19 as a healthy 27-year-old, he wasn't too worried, until...
"I woke up extremely short of breath and thought, 'I need to go to the hospital,'" he said.
James's condition quickly deteriorated, requiring him to be on a ventilator and spend seven months in the hospital.
"There was virtually no risk factor that he had to say, 'you're somebody who's going to get really sick if you get this,' but it happened anyway," Dr. Megan Conroy with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said.
As a pulmonologist, Dr. Conroy has seen the toll that COVID-19, the flu, pneumonia and RSV can have.
"The best way to help prevent this virus--or any viruses, really--upending your life is to make sure that you get vaccinated against them," she said.
A new national survey by Ohio State found many Americans aren't getting the message, with 35% unconcerned about the rise in respiratory illnesses and one third who believe they don't need vaccines if they're not at high risk.
Although 87% percent of respondents say they do everything they can to avoid spreading seasonal viruses, one in three don't believe their decision on whether to get vaccinated affects anyone else.
"I think people like to think about their vaccine choices as only personal health choices, but it does impact the people around you because it does impact the likelihood that you could spread an illness to them as well," Dr. Conroy said.
That's especially important for vulnerable populations like babies, the immunocompromised and those over 60, but one thing is for sure: no one knows when a common illness will become life threatening.
"Getting a little vaccine pushed in your arm or everything I went through—the vaccine would definitely be an easier choice," James said.
While there are several viruses circulating this year, there are also more ways than ever to protect yourself, including effective flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines, as well as newly approved RSV vaccines for those over 60 and pregnant women.