NHS GP confirms 'man flu' has scientific basis

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 12:14 · Archive

An NHS GP says men may experience worse symptoms from respiratory infections than women due to immune differences.

An NHS GP has confirmed that 'man flu', while a colloquial term rather than an official medical diagnosis, has scientific support. Dr Jeff Foster says research published in the British Medical Journal suggests men may experience more severe symptoms from respiratory viruses than women. This is partly due to differences in immune response: women tend to have a faster, more aggressive initial immune reaction to viral infections, which may help clear the virus more quickly. Men's immune systems respond differently, meaning symptoms can linger longer and feel more intense.

Dr Foster acknowledged that whether this fully explains the 'man flu' mythology is debatable, but said the biological basis is not entirely made up. He added that individual variation matters just as much as sex differences in determining how people experience respiratory infections.

How it is being reported

• 'Is man flu real or not' debate settled by NHS GP - 'there's something in it'NHS GP Jeff Foster weighs in on whether men genuinely suffer worse cold and flu symptoms than womenThe Mirror · 26 Oct, 12:15
• NHS GP settles debate on whether 'man flu' is real or notIs man flu real? NHS doctor reveals the truth, as cases of cold and flu increase as temperatures dropDaily Express · 26 Oct, 11:55

In this story: Dr Jeff Foster · NHS · UK

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