The Association for Canadian Studies shows the rate of reported infection is higher than what official data suggest. It found:
- Thirty percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 were infected, while 12% of those 55 years and older contracted the disease;
- Almost three in five who had COVID-19 had mild symptoms, while 14% experienced severe symptoms that didn't prevent them from doing daily activities;
- One in five of those infected had severe symptoms that kept them in bed; and
- Vaccination status played a role, as 38% of unvaccinated respondents were infected compared to 20% of their vaccinated counterparts.
Asked if they were afraid of contracting COVID-19, 44% said they feared getting the virus while 45% didn't. Over half think the worst of the pandemic is behind them. The lead researcher said findings brush up against the perception that the latest COVID-19 strain is similar to the common cold.
Related:
Sondage: le quart des Canadiens aurait déjà contracté la COVID-19 - La Presse Canadienne
Le pire de la pandémie est passé, pense une majorité de Canadiens - La Presse Canadienne
Experts concerned that only 47 per cent of Canadians have received a COVID-19 booster shot - Globe and Mail (sub. req.)