Is ‘Man Flu’ a real illness or is it just men making the most of their chance to stay at home and moan?

New research published in the British Medical Journal suggests men suffer more due to weaker immune systems.

Canadian scientists explored the legend that men are easier struck down by the virus, and their findings suggest blokes are not exaggerating their symptoms when they choose to lie in bed instead of getting on with their day.

But a senior British doctor says there “is no such thing as man flu”.

Why Man Flu could be real

A man blowing his nose
Research suggests men are not just making the most of it

Dr Kyle Sue, a clinical assistant professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, explored recent flu research and says the evidence suggests men are more likely to be killed by influenza than woman are, while males also have a higher risk of flu-based hospital admission - even if they have no preexisting diseases or illnesses.

Men, Dr Sue’s research claims, are more vulnerable to complications developing from acute respiratory diseases, while other evidence supports the theory that men have weaker immune systems, which makes them more prone to viral respiratory illness than women are.

Writing in the British Medical Journal’s Christmas issue, Dr Sue says Man Flu may not be the myth it is thought to be.

“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,” he writes.

He said there may actually be an evolutionary benefit to a less robust immune system, as it has allowed men to invest their energy in other biological processes, “such as growth, secondary sex characteristics, and reproduction”.

Dr Sue added: “Lying on the couch, not getting out of bed, or receiving assistance with activities of daily living could also be evolutionary behaviours that protect against predators.”

No scientific study has ever been carried out before to determine whether the term ‘Man Flu’ is appropriate or accurate.

Dr Sue does admit further research is needed, as men may be getting sicker due to environmental factors, such as their lifestyle.

But a top GP says Man Flu really is a myth

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “We’re sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news for half the population – but contrary to popular belief, and this article, the vast majority of robust scientific evidence suggests that flu is not sexist and there is no such thing as ‘Man Flu’.

“While there are people who believe that ‘Man Flu’ is an actual disease, and some men (and women) genuinely believe it is the reason they are unwell, there is little science to back this up.

“However there has been some research to suggest Respiratory Tract Infections - as they are known – can present more severely in men than women and the best advice for anyone affected is to rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, if necessary.

“Most people, whatever their gender, will recover completely within a few days and there is no need to see a GP, but if symptoms persist without any improvement for more than three weeks or deteriorate and cause breathing difficulties, people should seek advice from a healthcare professional.”

poll loading

Is Man Flu real?