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“Man Flu” versus “Woman Flu”

New research out today looks at “man flu” versus “woman flu.” According to women more than 57% of men become attention seeking when ill, whilst according to men, 45% of women have a low pain threshold
Health, Lifestyle - 25 June 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

New research examines gender differences when it comes to being ill and reveals that men are less likely to become ill over the year than women (five incidents compared to seven for women) but 65% of men (compared with 46% of women) believe that they are more likely than their partners to become genuinely ill.

48% of men think that their partners have a low pain threshold, with 36% frequently getting ‘woman flu’. According to women more than 57% of men become attention seeking when ill, with 65% constantly moaning and groaning. Nearly half of all men exaggerate their symptoms making a cold into flu and a headache into a migraine. 34% of men’s partners rarely believing their claims of illness are genuine, but 62% will still be sympathetic. Six in 10 find it awful to see their man poorly, and 49% make the effort to wait on them hand and foot.

When it comes to taking time off, 76% of men still go to work, despite 29% of men stated they had taken time off work to care for their woman when sick and 33% state they always buy flowers, dvds or magazines to cheer them up.

. Introduction:

New research pitches ‘man flu’ against ‘woman flu’ and reveals that men are less likely to be ill than women but also believe that they are more likely to be sick than their partner. When men are sick, they tend to exaggerate their symptoms, leading a third of partners to doubt whether their sickness is genuine. On the flip side, men consider women to have a ‘low pain threshold’ and are more likely to take time off to care for their ladies than to recover if they were ill themselves.

So, when is our sympathy misplaced?

Joining us to discuss this further is Helen Graham, a Heath Planning Expert from Engage Mutual.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research show about how men and women differ when it comes to being ill in our area?

Why do both genders seem to think that they are more likely to be unwell and less likely to complain than their partners?

What are the types of illnesses that we’re most likely to moan about?

Why are we reluctant to have these small issues dealt with and moan to our partners instead?

What was the thought behind this research?

How can we reduce the impact of illness for ourselves and our partners?

Where can we find out more information?