The True Science of Man Flu

Guys, we can't hide the truth anymore. We need to speak up! Especially for the men who can't speak at all right now...

Ladies, you've most likely watched us go from being fit and lifting weights to becoming a weakling hiding under the blanket, saying, “I don’t think I’m going to make it…” This is all due to the life-changing condition of Man Flu. Although you might not believe us, what if man flu is real? What if we, the masculine, strong, and so called "over-dramatic" male population, actually suffer more than women when it comes to cold and flu?

As a personal trainer, I’m all about health, fitness, and most importantly, understanding how our bodies work (and sometimes don’t work). I'll share with you the truth behind man flu with studies, facts, and a healthy dose of male pride. Now, If he hasn't used them all, grab an extra blanket, put your feet up, and give this a read.

What Exactly is "Man Flu"?

It's official. The term man flu has even made it to The Oxford English Dictionary, defining it as “a cold or similar minor ailment experienced by a man who is regarded as exaggerating the severity of his symptoms.”

That's a bit harsh, because exaggerating might be the wrong word here. Beneath the drama, there could be actual suffering that’s worse than what women experience.

So let’s dive into the scientific reasons why we are not faking it.

Testosterone

A 2016 study by Dr. Kyle Sue, a Canadian doctor who bravely stood up for men everywhere, found that testosterone might actually suppress the immune system. Although testosterone is the hormone that makes us feel like we can bench press a small car, it also makes us more vulnerable to infections like the flu. Dr. Sue’s research suggested that higher testosterone levels are associated with a weaker immune response to respiratory viruses, like the flu.

Women, on the other hand, benefit from oestrogen, which boosts the immune system. So, while we’re lying on the couch wrapped up in our blankets, they’re out there fighting germs without even noticing. We’re not exaggerating, we’re biologically disadvantaged!

The Evolutionary Theory

If you’re still not convinced that man flu is real, let me hit you with an evolutionary theory that I found from Harvard. Thousands of years ago, when our male ancestors were out hunting and gathering, it was in their best interest to conserve energy when they were sick. If they felt ill, they would have stayed behind to rest whilst the others were out hunting.

Women, on the other hand, had to keep moving. They had to take care of the young, gather food, and keep the fire going, even when they weren’t feeling great. Women were the ones pushing through sickness, while men (rightfully) took it easy when their bodies needed to heal.

When your guy is curled up in bed to recover, it’s not laziness, it’s evolution. He’s just following his body’s ancient wisdom. It’s called survival!

"I Need an Ambulance"

Between 2004 and 2010, data from a Hong Kong study shows that men have a higher risk of ending up in hospital with seasonal flu than women. Similarly, data from a US study from 1997 to 2007 revealed that men had higher rates of flu related deaths, even after considering variables like heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and renal disease.

So, when your man is suffering with the flu and seems to be making it more dramatic than your cold last week, just know that biologically, it's 110% worse for him. He might genuinely need that extra day in bed, because his immune system is working overtime just to stay alive...

Psychological Factor

Continuing from Dr. Sue’s research, this might also be biological. Us guys tend to experience the symptoms of a flu more intensely because we’ve been conditioned to focus on our illness more than women do.

A study in the Journal of Pain found that men and women experience pain differently, with men reporting higher pain sensitivity when they’re stressed or anxious. So if we're lying there on the sofa, moaning about how much our throat hurts, there’s a good chance we really feel that pain on a different level than you do.

Man Flu and Fitness

As a personal trainer, it wouldn’t be a complete blog if I didn’t talk about how man flu affects your fitness.

Some of us want to push through illness and get our workout in, but pushing yourself too hard can actually prolong your illness. Your immune system is already working overtime, and forcing it to cope with a workout can be too much to handle.

If your symptoms are limited to things like a blocked nose, sore throat, or minor headaches, you’re okay to exercise lightly. But if you’re experiencing body aches, fever, or chest congestion (classic man flu symptoms), skip the workout, go for a walk, and use the time to focus on other health goals. Maybe even catch up on some Netflix. I mean, you're sick, so rinse it for everything it's got!

So, You Believe Us Now?

The science says yes. Men’s immune systems are weaker against viruses like the flu, thanks in part to testosterone. We genuinely feel worse than women do when we’re sick, and our bodies take longer to recover. Plus, our evolutionary past may have conditioned us to take it easy when we're ill, while women have adapted to power through.

Next time your partner rolls her eyes at you when sneezing, show her this blog!

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