Canadians are evenly split over the federal government's handling of the swine flu, but more than half believe concerns over the risk of H1N1 are exaggerated, a new poll by EKOS indicates.

In the poll, conducted exclusively for CBC News, Canadians were asked their opinion of the public level of concern over the risks associated with the virus.

Fifty-three per cent said the level of concern about swine flu is exaggerated, considering the real risks involved with the virus. Thirty-seven per cent said the concern was consistent with the level of risk, and 10 per cent said the level of risk was understated.

More men than women thought the risk was exaggerated, as did younger Canadians compared with older ones, the poll said.

A third of Canadians surveyed said they will definitely get the H1N1 vaccination, but a quarter said they will not.

Ironically, older Canadians aged 65 and up are more likely to get the shot than younger Canadians who are considered at higher risk.

Canadians in Atlantic Canada and Quebec were also more likely to get the shot than those in other regions.

The poll also found that while 39 per cent of Canadians approve of the government's handling of the virus's threat, 39 per cent disapprove. About 22 per cent did not know or had no response.

Canadians had a more favourable view of their provincial or municipal governments' handling of the issue, with 42 per cent indicating their approval and 35 per cent disapproval.

The H1N1 issue didn't seem to have much effect on federal political party standings.

The Tories remain on top, dropping slightly to 36.6 per cent support from 37.4 per cent a week ago. The Liberals stayed virtually the same at 26.6 per cent (compared with 26.8 per cent) while the NDP was up slightly at 16.8 per cent from 16.3 per cent.

The Green Party gained, up to 11.2 per cent from 10 per cent support, and the Bloc Québécois dipped to 8.8 per cent from 9.4 per cent.

Respondents were asked which party they would vote for if a federal election were held tomorrow.

The survey of 3,502 people was conducted by telephone between Nov. 4 and Nov. 10, 2009, and has an error margin of plus or minus 1.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Both landline and cellphone users were included.

EKOSEKOS