Man’s flu: Why men suffer more when common cold strikes
By Valerian Khakayi, May 14, 2026Across many parts of Kenya, several regions are currently experiencing ongoing rains that come with colder-than-usual weather.
As temperatures drop, cases of flu, coughs, and common colds tend to rise, filling homes, workplaces, and matatus with sniffles and sore throats.
But there is one familiar joke that always comes back during such seasons: “men suffer more when they catch a cold.”
What many call “man’s flu” has become a running conversation in households, often laughed off, but it also reflects a mix of behaviour and how people experience illness differently.
So what is man’s flu?
Man’s flu is not a medical diagnosis. It is a popular phrase used to describe the belief that men tend to experience flu symptoms more intensely than women or appear to struggle more when sick with something like a common cold.
While it is often joked about on social media and in homes, doctors explain that differences in how people respond to illness can be influenced by several factors, not just gender alone.
Why men may seem to suffer more
One common explanation of why men may seem to suffer more is how people respond to symptoms.
In many Kenyan homes, men are often expected to push through illness and continue working, which can make symptoms feel more overwhelming when they finally rest.
There is also the issue of delayed care. Some men tend to avoid clinics or self-medicate until symptoms worsen, meaning they appear more unwell when they finally slow down.
How to manage flu during cold seasons
Doctors recommend simple but effective measures to manage flu symptoms, including drinking plenty of warm fluids, such as tea and soup, to keep the body hydrated and soothe the throat, as well as getting enough rest to allow the immune system to recover.
In addition, wearing warm clothing during cold weather to protect the body from further strain and maintaining good hygiene, especially through regular handwashing, to prevent the spread of infection.
They also advise seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist, as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires proper treatment.
Over-the-counter medication can help relieve symptoms, but a proper diagnosis is important if fever or breathing difficulties develop.
While ‘man’s flu’ is often used humorously, it reflects how differently people experience illness in everyday life. Whether it is biology, behaviour, or simply how people cope with discomfort, the reality is that flu season affects everyone, especially during Kenya’s rainy, chilly months.
As the cold continues in many regions, stay warm and look out for one another because when flu strikes, no one is completely immune, not even the strongest among us.