^
A
A
A

Male and female influenza - are they different?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

06 May 2018, 09:00

According to men, cold and viral diseases are much more difficult for them than for women.
There are legends and anecdotes about how men tolerate the flu. Those symptoms, which are described in this case by a strong half of humanity, can be compared in severity, except with the death status. Why is this happening: is it possible that men are really that bad, or are they inclined to exaggerate?
Here are some lines you can read in the dictionary of the American slang Urban Dictionary: "If your boyfriend gets sick, he will complain about all the possible symptoms, including sincerely wanting compassion for himself. However, at the same time, he will reject any means of assistance that will be offered on your part. "

This state of affairs causes in women different emotions - from a smile to genuine irritation. If we take into account the fact that men should initially be courageous, then women often do not take into account the moans of the "second half" and even joke about this.

Nevertheless, it turned out that sex is really important in the development and progression of the common cold and flu. This was proved by scientists in a recent experiment.
It turns out that the male population is unfairly accused of simulating?
Professor Kyle Sue, representing the Canadian Memorial University in Newfoundland, analyzed previous experiments on this issue with the aim of determining the cause of male "whims" for colds and ARVI.

The results of the analysis turned out to be quite curious, and for the representatives of both the male and female half of humanity.
"Attitude to" male "flu, as a regular symptom simulation, can lead to inadequate care and treatment activities of truly ill patients," the doctor said.

As it turned out, according to statistics, adult male patients are more likely to be hospitalized for influenza, and even more likely to die from infectious complications. A more thorough analysis has also proved that ARVI affects men more often: women are less likely to get sick.

Therefore, it turns out that the flu and SARS for the male population of the planet is still more dangerous. The experiment on rodents led scientists to this conclusion: "Because of the high content of testosterone in men, the immune response to antiviral vaccines is weaker. This indicates the presence of immunosuppressive action of this hormone. "
"The modern philistine opinion about the" male "course of the flu is at least unfair. Strong representatives of mankind are able to exaggerate their painful feelings a little, but their immune response is actually weaker, which explains the increased incidence of morbidity and mortality, "the researchers explain.

Apparently, women will have to reconsider their attitude towards capricious "faithful", who during the period of the disease really require compassion and real medical help.
Conclusions of Professor Sue published the British Medical Journal.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.