Why men take colds harder than women

The male immune system has a stronger immune response

This theory does not yet claim to be an absolute truth, however, in the course of the studies carried out, it turned out that the cells of the immune system of men and women react differently to viruses.

The scientific journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity has published the results of experiments in which laboratory mice were infected with bacteria that cause flu-like symptoms. Males showed more symptoms than females. In adult males, greater changes in body temperature were observed, the inflammatory process was more pronounced, and the disease itself lasted longer.

These experiments do not prove that everything happens in humans in the same way. But microbiologists were able to establish that in humans, like in mice, the cells of the male immune system have more active immune receptors that are sensitive to certain pathogens. Sabra Klein, professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, believes that we don't feel sick because germs and viruses get into our bodies. Our well-being is a reflection of the body's immune response.

The male body has a stronger immune response than the female and attracts more immune cells to fight the virus. Therefore, the painful sensations in men are more pronounced.

Maybe it's all about testosterone

There is a hypothesis that testosterone and estrogen affect the functioning of immune receptors. Recent experiments with mice have not confirmed the link between sex hormones and the severity of cold symptoms. The experiment also involved animals that had their reproductive organs removed. However, the immune response in such individuals still differed depending on gender.

But there are other studies supporting the effect of hormones on the tolerance of viral diseases. Research. human cells have shown that samples containing estrogen are more resistant to infection with the influenza virus. At the moment, this hypothesis has not been proven, but it has not been refuted either.

Evolution saved on the male immune system

According to the theory put forward by a group of scientists at the University of Cambridge. Evolution has spared a strong immune system for men. The reason for this is the desire of men to take risks. For millennia, they died in the hunt and war and did not particularly strive to calmly live to old age.

Perhaps evolution did not award men with strong immunity, deciding that there was no point in protecting those who constantly risk their lives.

Viruses and bacteria behave differently in the male and female body

There is another interesting point of view., according to which women have developed the best defense mechanisms against pathogens so as not to transmit these pathogens to offspring during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pathogens, on the other hand, have adapted to not showing themselves too clearly in the female body and invisibly infecting offspring.

But with men, you can not be cunning and attack in full force. As a result, men develop a strong immune response and a pronounced course of the disease.

There is a possibility that some viruses and bacteria are able to determine the sex of the carrier and behave accordingly.

Men care less about their own health and hygiene

In addition to complex evolutionary and physiological causes, a severe course of the disease may have another simple cause. For example, according to statistics. men wash their hands less often and seek medical attention later. This can lead to complications during the illness that could have been avoided by taking a little more care of yourself.

Severe colds in men are caused by a combination of these and many other reasons. Or, perhaps, the stronger sex sometimes just needs a respite from their own masculinity.