More to man flu than meets the eye, says study

Men may not be exaggerating

The much-debated phenomenon of “man flu” may have some basis in fact, researchers have said.

A Canadian study was carried out to determine whether men really do experience worse symptoms than women or whether it is just a myth.

Dr Kyle Sue, a clinical assistant professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, suggested men may not be exaggerating symptoms but have weaker immune responses to viral respiratory viruses.

In what is thought to be the first study of its kind, he analysed relevant research and found evidence that adult men have a higher risk of hospital admission and higher rates of influenza associated deaths compared with women, regardless of underlying disease.

Men are also more susceptible to complications and higher mortality from many acute respiratory diseases, while some evidence supported men suffering more from viral respiratory illness than women because they have a less robust immune system.

Writing in the BMJ, Dr Sue argued the concept of man fluis potentially unjust and further research is needed.

“Men may not be exaggerating symptoms but have weaker immune responses to viral respiratory viruses, leading to greater morbidity and mortality than seen in women.”

It’s official (almost) – “man flu” really does exist. A new study has shown that men may well experience worse symptoms than women when ill. The research – rather suspiciously conducted by a man – concludes that “male friendly spaces” equipped with “enormous televisions and reclining chairs” could offer the best chance of recovery for those affected.

Advice worth remembering next time a man in your life is laid low.