Harvard Study Suggests Man Flu Is Real, Yet Men Avoid Vaccines

Research from Harvard Health Publishing indicates that “man flu” may not be merely a humorous stereotype, but a genuine condition that can contribute to men feeling more severely affected by viral illnesses than women. The term “man flu” typically describes men experiencing mild ailments who are perceived to exaggerate their symptoms. This concept has gained traction in discussions regarding gender differences in health responses.

According to a recent report by Asda, a significant portion of the male population in the UK, specifically 68 percent, acknowledges the reality of man flu. This perception is underscored by findings that men take more sick days than women, averaging five sick days annually compared to four days for women.

Dr. Robert H. Shmerling, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, highlighted evidence suggesting that men may indeed experience more severe outcomes from illnesses like the flu. “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 versus 1.5 days,” Shmerling stated. He also noted that testosterone levels could influence immune responses, suggesting that men with higher testosterone may exhibit a diminished antibody response, potentially leading to more severe symptoms.

Despite these findings, many women remain skeptical. A survey indicated that 70 percent of women believe their partners exaggerate their illnesses, with 65 percent admitting irritation when their partners are unwell. Common complaints include constant moaning (reported by 46 percent), persistent sniffing and coughing (42 percent), and an expectation to be cared for (35 percent).

Interestingly, while men may report feeling worse, over half (54 percent) of those surveyed refuse to receive an annual flu vaccination. A staggering 94 percent agree that most men overlook health concerns until serious issues arise.

In response to the ongoing health challenge posed by influenza, Asda is launching a flu jab service priced at 60p to commemorate its 60th anniversary. This initiative, available to the first 6,000 customers who pre-book their appointments from September 22 to 28, 2023, aims to encourage more individuals to prioritize their health. An Asda spokesperson commented, “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.”

As the conversation around health and gender continues, the disparity in health-seeking behavior between men and women remains a topic of interest and concern.