It’s official: man flu does exist.
Or at least men believe it does, according to new research on man flu. It found that men call in sick and go to the doctors more frequently with common colds than women do. The poll of 2,000 adults also revealed one in 12 men have visited the doctor with a runny nose.
But despite men taking more time off work for the common cold, 84% claim to ‘battle through’ it without letting it affect their day-to-day life.
Nick Thayer, a pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, said: “When suffering from a cold, it is feasible that a person can keep going and power through their symptoms. But it’s a misconception that people can ‘battle through’ flu, as the symptoms are too severe and can last for weeks.
Only 56% of men called in sick to work. While just 55% cancelled social plans when they thought they had flu. This suggests to me that they probably just had a particularly nasty cold rather than actual flu.”
The fairer sex?
Cases of man flu are resulting in women being less compassionate. Just half of women showing signs of sympathy compared to 66% of males. And any sympathy mustered lasts just 33 hours on average.
However, females are more likely to take care of their loved ones, with 61% topping up medication and generally making their partner feel comfortable. And nearly 40% of women said their partner refuses to do anything due to sickness, and reported feeling under pressure to do more around the house as a result.
Somewhat unsurprisingly then, the study conducted by OnePoll.com, found over a third of agreed that illness caused relationships arguments.
Man flu jab
Despite flu having a significant impact on the quality of life of those surveyed, nearly half had never had a flu vaccination. Just under two fifths of Brits haven’t had the vaccination because it hasn’t been recommended to them by a professional. And one quarter were under the impression it’s mainly for the elderly. While one third believe they are healthy and don’t need one.
Nick Thayer continued, “This research highlights the fact that people usually only get a flu jab if a medical professional has told them to. If the jab hasn’t been recommended for them, then fit and healthy adults often don’t get one. I would recommend that everyone who can get a flu jab, gets a flu jab. It helps protect you, your family and others in your community from the virus.
And the flu jab isn’t just available at your doctors. You can pop into your local pharmacy for the flu vaccination, without an appointment. Only half of those surveyed were aware of this.”
Well Pharmacy offer free flu jabs if you’re eligible on the NHS. Or £9 if you’re not eligible.
Check your eligibility here. Sniff sniff…
