Overview of COVID-19 Experiences

According to a new Gallup poll, approximately 28% of Americans report that they have never contracted COVID-19. The responses indicate a varied landscape of experiences, particularly among different age groups:

• 39% of individuals aged 65 and older say they have had COVID-19, likely due to enhanced precautions and higher vaccination rates within this group.
• In contrast, only 21% of younger adults (age range not specified) claim to have never had the virus.
• Overall, 72% of respondents have either had COVID-19 or strongly suspect they did at some point over the last five years.
• Among those who tested positive, 16% were asymptomatic.

Current Concerns About COVID-19

The Gallup survey indicates that concerns about potential future outbreaks remain prevalent:

• 58% of surveyed individuals express worry about experiencing another global pandemic during their lifetime.
• Only 21% of respondents reported being very or somewhat worried about contracting COVID-19 at present.
• Conversely, about 40% revealed they have no concerns regarding the virus.

Notably, anxiety about contracting COVID-19 remains higher among specific demographics, including:

• 29% of Democrats are currently worried about infection.
• Compared to only 9% of Republicans expressing similar concerns.

Perception of the Pandemic’s Status

A significant portion of Americans—over 58%—believe that the pandemic is firmly in the past. Despite this outlook, many still acknowledge that the worry about future pandemics persists:

• 16% reported being “very worried” about the possibility of another outbreak.
• 42% indicated they are “somewhat worried.”

Methodology of the Gallup Poll

The data presented in this article was compiled from a tracking poll conducted by Gallup, which began in March 2020. The latest survey updates occurred between February 18 and February 26, 2023.