Photo: © 2009 AP via AAP/Alex Brandon
A British study found around 50 per cent of men exaggerate symptoms of a common cold to give it flu status as a way of gaining sympathy and escaping daily chores.
Men moaned more than women, it found, despite falling ill less often than their female counterparts.
"Our findings support the belief that men do moan more and are more likely to exaggerate their symptoms," Karl Elliott of Engage Mutual Assurance told the Daily Mail.
"They may have fewer bouts of genuine sickness a year, but when ill, their attention seeking behaviour makes sure their partner knows about it."
