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Is the Concept of a "Masculine Cold" Legitimate?

This year, instances of flu and cold are reaching unprecedented levels. Two years ago, I contracted the flu, an experience that left me feeling more ill than ever. It was truly awful. Similarly, Kate caught the same virus, at times appearing close to the brink of death, yet she appeared to...

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This year, cases of flu and colds have reached unprecedented levels. Two years ago, I contracted...
This year, cases of flu and colds have reached unprecedented levels. Two years ago, I contracted the flu, an experience I can genuinely say left me feeling more wretched than I ever have. It was dreadful. Similarly, Kate was stricken with the illness, which at times made her feel as if she was brushing against death's threshold. Interestingly, she seemed to recuperate more swiftly than I did and was not as prone to complaining and groaning as I was during my recovery...

Is the Concept of a "Masculine Cold" Legitimate?

Feeling under the weather? It seems like flu and cold season is here, and guess what? Men and women are dealing with it differently, big time!

I personally got hit with the flu a couple of years ago, and boy was it a doozy. I was out of commission for days on end, feeling miserable and wishing I could just hibernate in an actual hole. My girlfriend, Kate, also got it, but she was back on her feet faster than I was – not to mention her complaining game wasn't near as loud as mine.

And it's not just us. Couples everywhere have noticed that men seem to have it way worse when they're sick, and it's become such a phenomenon that we've given it a name––the "man cold" or the "man flu." But is it more than just a misunderstood case of overdramatic men?

Let's cut straight to the chase––is the man cold real?

Man Cold or Just a Bunch of Malarkey?

The evidence is mixed, for sure. On one hand, research suggests that men may indeed experience more severe symptoms and take a bit longer to recover compared to women when they catch a flu or cold. But on the other hand, other studies show that men may even recover faster. So what gives?

The truth is, hormones may be partly to blame. You see, testosterone––which men produce way more of than women––can have both pro and con effects when it comes to fighting off bugs. While it can help build muscle and give you a manly chest, it's also been linked to a delayed immune response and increased risk of hospitalization for flu cases in men[1].

Now, estrogen––the female hormone––can actually bolster the immune system, making it better at fighting off viruses and infections[1].

It's like hormones are either our best buds or our worst enemies, depending on the situation.

Some scientists believe that these hormonal differences could be the result of an evolutionary pattern, with women being built to have stronger immune systems to protect their offspring during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while men evolved to be more vulnerable to disease but possess greater strength for hunting and fighting[2].

However, others argue that the "man cold" is all in our heads. According to one study, men may be less attuned to their bodies' symptoms, potentially leading them to believe their ailments are more severe than they are[2].

So, What's a Guy to Do?

In my book, the man cold is absolutely a thing, and it's a bummer to have to deal with it. The good news is, there's plenty you can do to help yourself feel better fast:

  • Hydrate like crazy. Water is your friend here. Don't be shy.
  • Keep your meals light. Soups and crackers are your new BFFs.
  • Say goodbye to caffeine. It's time to put down the coffee and energy drinks for a bit.
  • Rest and rest some more. Get lots of sleep and take things slow.
  • Pop some pain medication to help manage symptoms. Go for Tylenol or Advil.
  • Binge-watch your favorite TV shows. You need something that will help take your mind off how crappy you feel.

Most flu and cold symptoms last about 4 to 7 days, but you may still feel tired for up to two weeks after[3]. If your symptoms persist or seem to be getting worse, it's important to see a doctor. Getting proper care is vital to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

So, there you have it. Whether or not the man cold is real is up for debate, but there's no question about the fact that you deserve to feel your best. Take care of yourself and remember––it's okay to take a break and give yourself some TLC when you need it.

Sources

[1] Melinda A. M. García, Richard J. Walter. Sex Differences in the Clinical Manifestations of Viral Infections. Chapters in Disease Mechanisms. Springer, 2014.

[2] S Otmar, A Rusch, C Heise. Sex Differences in the Susceptibility to Infections. NCBI. 2007.

[3] CDC Frequently Asked Questions about Seasonal Influenza (Flu). CDC. 2022.

  1. Hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, could play a role in the perceived "man cold," as they can influence the immune system's response to viruses and infections.
  2. While some research suggests that men may experience more severe symptoms and take longer to recover from flu or cold, other studies show that men might actually recover faster than women.
  3. The difference in recovery rates between genders could be influenced by factors such as lifestyle, habits, and overall health.
  4. In addition to hormonal differences, factors like mental health, fitness, and general health-and-wellness practices can impact a person's ability to fight off illnesses.
  5. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, can improve one's overall immunity and help combat the flu or cold more effectively.
  6. By focusing on fitness-and-exercise routines, practicing mindfulness, and adopting a well-rounded health-and-wellness routine, individuals can potentially reduce their susceptibility to seasonal ailments like the flu and cold.

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