Minnesota scientist says ‘man flu’ may be more than a punchline

Minnesota Now

Chances are you have heard a woman poking fun at a man in her life for having a cold and — let’s just say — not handling it very well. The idea has been parodied hundreds of times in standup performances and internet comedy sketches.

But research shows there may be some biological and evolutionary factors that indeed make male and female experiences of having a common cold feel different. University of Minnesota professor of ecology, evolution and behavior Marlene Zuk says there’s evidence that many men may suffer more from the effects of infection. She joins MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to explain.