Man Flu Is Actually Real (But It’s Complicated)

You Should Know: This flu season has been rough, with at least 19 million Americans infected and 10,000 deaths so far. Naturally, “man flu” is trending again on TikTok. If you don’t know, that’s the stereotype that men supposedly exaggerate the severity of their symptoms. But research suggests there are valid reasons why men seem to act out more when they’re sick.

Going Deeper: Studies show estrogen boosts immune response while testosterone may suppress it, potentially making men’s symptoms genuinely worse. Men also face higher hospitalization and death rates from flu. However, most of the research is flawed because studies rely on self-reported symptoms, which can be a problem if men are more likely to overstate their illness.

Takeaway: Man flu is probably both a biological and cultural phenomenon. Biology may make men more vulnerable to severe illness, while social norms likely shape how they communicate and manage symptoms.

Bottom Line: Real or not, this flu season is genuinely dangerous. So hold off on making fun of anyone who is sick and encourage them — regardless of gender — to get medical care if they need it.