A broad portion of the Russian population, roughly seven in ten, does not fear another surge of the coronavirus and shows little interest in receiving an additional vaccine dose. A recent AlfaStrakhovanie survey, reviewed by socialbites.ca, reveals that about one in three respondents believes the virus loses strength with each new strain. This sentiment sits against a wider backdrop of how people have lived with Covid-19 and continue to interpret its meaning in daily life. The data hint at a sustained sense that the threat may be diminishing even as new variants appear on the horizon.
About 41 percent of those surveyed say they have contracted Covid at least once, while 47 percent report no prior infection. Of note, 61 percent indicate they did not receive a coronavirus vaccination, and the majority describe their illness as mild. Roughly 55 percent recall a mild case, 38 percent experienced a moderate form, and there were no hospitalizations reported among respondents. These figures portray a population that often weathered the illness without severe outcomes, shaping beliefs about risk and protection.
Among those who did catch the virus, 57 percent report ongoing symptoms associated with Covid, including fatigue in 51 percent and shortness of breath in 46 percent. A quarter say they still struggle with a reduced ability to regain their sense of smell after losing it. Survivors also report a general decline in immune resilience, persistent coughing, hair loss, increased sweating, memory concerns, and issues related to cardiovascular and joint health. Yet, strikingly, 70 percent say the new strains do not seem dangerous and that another epidemic wave is unlikely, reflecting a perception that the disease is currently milder.
Consequently, 41 percent admit they do not actively follow Covid news and feel less informed about evolving strains. About 25 percent are aware of a recently identified variant named pyrola, while 18 percent report their information intake has slowed with the kraken variant. This snapshot suggests a gap between perceived risk and actual exposure to changing viral threats, influencing how people respond and make decisions in the face of uncertainty.
When asked about the most effective strategies to counter the sensational aspects of the virus, one in four participants selects self-isolation as a primary measure. About 22 percent trust mask-wearing, and 20 percent believe vaccination remains a key defense. A smaller portion, 13 percent, supports canceling large public events, while 15 percent prefer switching to remote work. Most respondents view border closures and mandatory PCR testing as less popular tactics, indicating a preference for targeted, practical approaches rather than broad restrictions.
Context from scientists points to the mildness observed in some groups, including infants, as possibly connected to immune system factors and the specific circulating strains. Public health experts continue to stress the importance of staying informed through reliable sources and following official guidance to minimize risk, even as perceptions shift about the severity and frequency of waves.
Overall, the survey presents a nuanced picture of risk perception, personal experience, and behavioral responses in Russia. It shows how many weigh personal health experiences against evolving information about new variants, balancing cautious protection with a sense that the threat may be waning. The findings underscore the need for clear, consistent communication about current risks, vaccination options, and practical preventive measures to support informed choices across the population.