Andy Devaney
For years it’s been the butt of jokes, but man flu might not be a myth after all. A new survey suggests nearly seven in ten British men are convinced their suffering is far worse than their partner’s when illness strikes – and now medical research seems to agree.
According to a poll of 2,000 adults by Asda, just over two-thirds of men insist man flu is real. In fact, roughly the same share admitted they’re hit harder than their partners by colds and flu, and the stats show they also take more sick days: five a year compared to women’s four.
The Oxford Dictionary defines man flu as “a cold or similar minor ailment, as experienced by a man who is regarded as exaggerating the severity of the symptoms.” But before women roll their eyes, science is edging onto the men’s side.
Science weighs in
Researchers at Harvard Health Publishing have found evidence suggesting men aren’t just being dramatic. Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, explains: “In one study reviewing six years of data, men were hospitalised with the flu more often than women.
(A separate) survey found that men reported taking longer to recover from flu-like illnesses than women (three days vs. 1.5 days).”
He adds: “Testosterone may also play a role, as men with the highest levels tended to have a lower antibody response. A better antibody response may lessen the severity of flu.”
Women aren’t convinced
Despite the science, most women remain sceptical. Seven in ten said their partners exaggerate how ill they are, while nearly two-thirds admitted to feeling irritated by their behaviour.
The biggest complaints? Constant moaning (46%), sniffing and coughing (42%), acting pathetic (39%), moodiness (38%) and expecting to be waited on hand and foot (35%).
More than half of women say they roll their eyes when their other half claims to have man flu, while one in two go as far as calling them hypochondriacs. No wonder four out of ten couples admit to falling out when illness hits the household.
The jab that could keep men in the game
Despite feeling floored by flu, more than half of men still avoid the annual jab. Excuses range from worrying it will make them feel ill, to not liking needles, or simply being too busy. A smaller group even say it’s too expensive.
To tackle the problem, Asda is marking its 60th anniversary by offering a flu jab for just 60p to the first 6,000 customers who pre-book between 22–28 September.
Backing the campaign is former England and Liverpool hardman Neil “Razor” Ruddock, who admits flu can leave even the toughest men floored.
“I’ve had flu myself and it really does knock you sideways. The research shows I’m far from the only one. People might joke about it, but when you’re in the thick of it, it genuinely feels like you’ve been tackled hard.
I’ll hold my hands up and say I’m not great company when I’m ill – just ask my family. It proves that even the toughest of us can be brought down by flu, so that’s why I’ve partnered with Asda, to try and keep us all in the game this winter.”
A spokesperson for Asda added: “This research shows just how much flu impacts everyday life. Our 60p flu jab service is about removing barriers and making it easier than ever for people to protect themselves and those around them.”
Moaning capitals of Britain
If you’re looking for the UK’s man flu hotspots, Glasgow leads the moaners, followed closely by Edinburgh and London.
To hammer the message home, Asda has also teamed up with grassroots football club Barking FC – fittingly based in London, the “man flu capital” – to encourage communities to “get back in the game.”
Bottom line
Whether you call it exaggeration or a legitimate biological disadvantage, man flu is clearly part of Britain’s winter ritual. What’s undeniable is that it can knock men off their feet – and for once, the scientists are backing them up.
