It’s flu season once again, and with it comes the yearly dilemma of how to protect oneself from the virus.

While getting a flu vaccine and practicing good hygiene can help, research has shown that our immune systems play a crucial role in fighting off the flu. But did you know that men and women have different immune responses to the flu?.

Men vs. Women: Why the Difference?

The answer lies in our hormones. Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, has been shown to enhance the immune response to the flu virus.

In a study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, female mice exhibited a stronger immune response to the flu virus than male mice. The researchers found that this was due to the higher levels of estrogen in the female mice.

On the other hand, testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, has been shown to suppress the immune response.

In a study published in the Journal of Virology, researchers found that male mice had a higher mortality rate than female mice when infected with the flu virus. They also found that the male mice had lower levels of immune cells that are important for fighting off the virus.

How the Flu Affects Men and Women Differently

Because of these different immune responses, men and women may experience the flu differently. In general, women may have a more severe immune response to the flu virus, which can result in greater fever, more severe cough, and longer-lasting symptoms.

However, this may also mean that women are better equipped to fight off the virus.

Related Article The Flu: Gender-Based Survival Rates

Men, on the other hand, may experience a more severe infection due to their weaker immune response. Men are also more likely to develop complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.

In fact, men are more likely to die from the flu than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Role of Age in Immune Response

Another factor that can influence immune response to the flu is age. As we age, our immune systems become weaker, which can make us more susceptible to infections like the flu.

In older adults, the immune response to the flu can be even weaker than in younger adults, which can increase the risk of complications and hospitalization.

Taking Steps to Stay Healthy

While men and women may have different immune responses to the flu, there are steps that everyone can take to stay healthy during flu season. These include:.

• Getting a flu shot – The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.
• Washing your hands frequently – Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of the flu virus.
• Avoiding close contact with sick people – If someone around you is sick, try to avoid close contact with them.
• Covering your mouth and nose – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces – This can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Conclusion

While men and women may have different immune responses to the flu, the steps to staying healthy during flu season are the same for everyone.

Getting a flu shot, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent the spread of the flu virus. By taking these steps, we can protect ourselves and those around us from the flu.