Man flu

Man flu is a phrase (in some cases pejorative) that refers to the idea that men, when they have a cold, exaggerate and claim they have the flu. Whilst a commonly used phrase in the UK, it is referred to in other cultures^[1] and there is a continuing discourse over the scientific basis for the phrase.^[2]

Popular culture

A web-based survey of readers of Nuts magazine in late 2006 stirred interest in this notion,^[3] which was criticised as unscientific and unreliable.^[4][5] It has been suggested that such exaggeration is possibly just as prevalent in women. This condition can only truly be called "man" flu when the sufferer in question has a partner from whom they hope to solicit extra attention to care for their supposedly grievous symptoms. When the sufferer is alone then the condition can only be the common cold or flu.^[6][7] Regardless of any scientific basis, the idea behind man flu has been present in popular culture, and has even been the source of controversy when used in advertising.^[8]

Scientific basis

A study published in 2009 was widely reported as supporting the concept that "man flu" exists,^[9][10] but many believe that the media were misunderstanding or misrepresenting the science.^[11] The study had nothing to do with the flu (the experiment was related to bacterial, not viral, infection) and was performed on genetically modified mice rather than human beings, so the results are not necessarily applicable to humans.^{[12] [13]}

A 2010 survey by the Office for National Statistics reported on by the BBC World Service suggested that women call in sick twice as often as men do.^[14] This may also be explained by the fact that women are often primary caregivers for their children and thus require additional time off in order to care for their children when they are ill.

According to researchers at Cambridge University, evolutionary factors may have led women to develop more rigorous immune systems than men due to differing reproductive strategies.^[15] In addition, a 2011 study conducted at the University of Queensland suggests that female hormones (such as oestrogens) aid pre-menopausal women in fighting infections, but the protection is lost after menopause.^[16]

See also

• Common cold
• Hypochondriasis
• Sex differences in humans

References

Further reading

• "Man Flu — It's Official". Benenden Healthcare Society. 2005-11-01. http://www.benenden.org.uk/healthcare/news-room/articles/man-flu-its-official/. ^{[dead link]}
• Daily Mail article on Man Flu
• Talking Retail article on MANFLU
• Official Man Flu home page

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