Most Americans only feel fully healthy this much each month

Body aches (28%), fatigue (26%), feeling “off” (23%) and a runny nose (21%) are the four horsemen of a subpar day, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 adults examined what this winter season holds for Americans’ health and found that other symptoms of a “down” day include feeling sluggish (21%), weak (20%) and having an upset stomach (17%).

Just the thought of facing these days has half of respondents “dreading” the thought of getting sick this season (51%).

Six in 10 get sick every winter, and the average person feels unwell five days during the season — even when not outright ill. One in five say this is even more common for them, totaling at least a week’s worth of “unwell” days.

In fact, the survey conducted by Talker Research for Bayer, found that the average American is perfectly “healthy” for just half the month (16 days).

Yet, one in five say “they’re fine” when they aren’t at least once a month.

Winter is the season respondents have the most unwell days, although many would rather deal with these symptoms in the fall and winter as opposed to dampening their sunny days.

With the desire to avoid the symptoms that keep them down, a majority of respondents acknowledge that staying healthy is just as much about good daily habits as it is avoiding sickness (85%).

To set themselves up for success, 54% prioritize creating a wellness routine at the start of the year, leaving them more confident in good decisions (83%).

Sometimes respondents have a hard time making choices that stick: while most say their current wellness routine makes them feel strong (68%) and ready to take on the day (78%); others aren’t sure they’re getting the most strength (32%) and readiness (22%) from their routine.

Balance is key, as three-quarters believe that their mental and physical wellness are connected (77%).

“When people tune into what their mind and body are asking for, whether it’s rest, movement, nourishment or medicinal support, they’re better primed to maintain their overall wellness throughout the year,” said Dr. Gabriela Zuniga, head of Medical Affairs for the Americas at Bayer Consumer Health.

While 59% admit it’s harder to stay on track with the “healthy” aspects of their routine when sick during the winter, nearly two-thirds of respondents are prioritizing their wellness this season more than ever before (62%).

For many, this means listening to what their body needs. Although 45% acknowledge that allowing their body to rest is the way forward, a similar percentage feel guilty about taking recovery time when not outright sick (46%).

Respondents worry about disrupting their routine (52%), missing out on something “important” (51%) and losing motivation (50%).

A third of Americans think they don’t have enough time to take off from work for days that they’re unwell, even if not fully sick (32%), averaging three “unwell days” every winter.

This isn’t enough time, as it takes them longer to feel better after the initial “tell” — four days.

Beyond the onset symptoms, some of the ones that keep respondents down the longest are congestion (25%) and feeling weak (24%).

Nausea (23%) and stomachaches (22%) are an unwinnable battle for some, while a headache that lasts longer than a day leaves one in five down for the count (19%).

To combat their symptoms, those surveyed are keen on sleeping as much as possible (38%), taking over-the-counter medicine for symptom relief (32%), letting a warm shower wash the day away (22%) and nourishing their body with what’s missing (16%).

“Focusing on wellness as an everyday practice helps people feel more in control of their health,” said Zuniga. “When we prioritize small, sustainable habits, we can create a foundation that supports our overall well-being.”

PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ULTIMATE “WELLNESS WIN”

• “Good energy daily.”
• “It would look like I'm younger than I am and [be] stronger than the average person my age.”
• “Having time for myself every day.”
• “Pass a physical examination with flying colors.”
• “Dealing with no pain for a day.”
• “Just getting to the gym.”
• “Increasing my flexibility and endurance.”
• “Staying on top of my immune system.”
• “Thriving in all areas of life.”
• “If I chose a healthy snack over an unhealthy snack.”
• “Being able to combat a minor illness like a cold or flu in just a few days.”
• “Better mobility.”
• “Feeling good about myself.”
• “Progress that leaves me calmer, lighter and renewed.”
• “Bowel movement daily.”
• “Going a few months without a headache or stomach problem.”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Bayer and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 14 and Nov. 18, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.