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Average adult feels healthy just 16 days a month during the winter, survey shows
NEW YORK — A recent nationwide survey reveals that Americans spend less than half of their winter days feeling completely healthy, with respondents reporting they feel 100% fit for only 16 days during an average winter month. The study, which surveyed 2,000 Americans, including 951 cohabitating partners, offers a revealing glimpse into how illness affects relationships and daily life during the colder months.
The research, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned Zipfizz in December 2024, found that lack of energy is the most common winter health complaint, affecting 58% of respondents. Traditional cold symptoms followed, with 42% experiencing coughing, 40% reporting sore throats, and 38% dealing with congestion.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the study exposed the dynamics of how couples handle illness. One-third of those living with partners described their significant other as “a baby” when sick. Partners were also characterized as stubborn (25%) and dramatic (23%), while 22% reported their partner refuses to acknowledge being ill altogether.
The survey revealed some unexpected manifestations of being under the weather. Nearly one-third of respondents (29%) reported mixing up days of the week, while 21% found themselves getting into arguments with loved ones. In more unusual cases, 14% admitted to placing objects in strange locations, such as keys in the refrigerator.
“Winter’s a tough time of year and often busy so feeling off form can really hamper us,” said Marcela Kanalos, a spokesperson for Zipfizz. “The results show many people are feeling less than their best for half of the season and that takes its toll on our moods, energy and overall enjoyment of life.”
12 Odd Behaviors Survey Respondents Say They’ve Done When Sick
- Put shoes in the refrigerator
- Can’t remember their own name
- Forget to make coffee
- Put on two different high heels, same color, in a rush
- Forget to pick up kid from school
- Drove with pizza on roof of car
- Leave groceries on the bus
- Forget why they left the house
- Go to work on a day off
- Forget an important doctor’s appointment
- Forget wallet/purse with ID at home
- Accidentally threw phone away with trash
When it comes to managing illness, Americans typically experience two days of “sickness suspicion” before actually falling ill. Once sick, they mention their condition an average of twice per day until recovery, with the study noting no gender difference in complaint frequency. A typical cold sidelines individuals for an average of three days.
The research also explored preventative measures. Staying hydrated emerged as the most common proactive step (80%), followed by vitamin and supplement use (77%) and adequate rest (75%). When illness strikes, 61% prioritize rest, 58% focus on hydration, and 46% turn to medication.
“Taking little steps ahead of feeling sick in order to set yourself up well from a health perspective can make all the difference,” Kanalos explained. “Just simply staying on top of your hydration can make or break your winter season.”
Methodology: The survey was conducted online by Talker Research between December 5-9, 2024, sampling 2,000 Americans, including 951 individuals living with partners. The study was commissioned by Zipfizz to examine common winter health challenges and coping strategies.
