For decades women have been accusing men of being “weaker” when it comes to the common cold and flu. But a new study finds men to be more susceptible to viral respiratory illnesses and to be more at risk of hospitalization due to the flu.
Dr. Kyle Sue, assistant professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, presented his findings in the British Medical Journal. He suggested men may have a weaker immune response when it comes to common winter colds/infections and may not be as responsive to the flu shot as the female gender. He states, “I do think that the research does point towards men having a weaker immune response when it comes to common viral respiratory infections and the flu,” and continued with, “this is shown in the fact that they [have] worse symptoms, they last longer, they are more likely to be hospitalized and more likely to die from it.”
Why? Are women more likely to multitask and “suck it up”, appearing less sick? Are women more likely to seek treatment sooner than men?
Another theory to be considered is men’s diets. Many women will gladly eat a salad for dinner as her main entrée, yet the average male would choose a meat dish (I’m with them on that one). Do men consume less vegetables, hence less cold-fighting vitamins?
One study suggested the hormone testosterone may dampen the immune system where as female hormones enhance it.
The flu season this year may be a vicious one as our 2017-18 flu shot has been predicted to be 10% effective. Although this will still save thousands of lives, fewer individuals may receive the protection they need. If “man flu” is real, start loading up on your veggies now.
Dr. Daliah 
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