Hungarians are ashamed of their illness

The arrival of spring brings anticipation for good weather, but the season of colds and flu is not yet over. The unpleasant symptoms of illness complicate the lives of many, and the situation is not only bothersome but also associated with feelings of shame. A recent international study revealed that colds represent not just a physical burden but also a psychological one. The majority of respondents, especially in Hungary, consider colds to be a more serious problem than residents of other countries, indicating their sensitivity to the illness.

During a cold, many may feel that not only is their physical condition deteriorating, but their social interactions are also becoming more difficult. The embarrassing moments of sneezing or coughing are familiar to many, and we often try to disappear from public view. The research findings show that Hungarians are particularly prone to anxiety and feelings of shame when it comes to their illness.

Why do we feel ashamed of having a cold?

The symptoms caused by colds and flu, such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose, lead to uncomfortable situations for many. The research found that 80% of Hungarian respondents feel ashamed of their cold symptoms, the highest rate among the surveyed countries. In contrast, only 42.3% of respondents in France and a mere 2.9% in Germany felt similarly.

Feelings of shame often prevent people from openly discussing their illness, and this anxiety exacerbates the situation. Due to social norms and expectations, a cold represents not only a health issue but also a psychological one for many. In Hungarian culture, showing weakness or openly acknowledging illness is not always accepted, which further increases stress.

Another important factor is that many feel that a cold is not just a simple illness but something more serious. This feeling is supported by the research, as 69.3% of respondents reported feeling lonely, unhappy, and tired when they are sick. Therefore, Hungarians struggle not only with physical symptoms but also with significant psychological burdens that affect their well-being.

The social impacts of colds

A cold affects not only the individual but also the community. Due to the illness, many are forced to stay home, which reduces social interactions. Sneezing or coughing, which may embarrass the individual, often creates situations that are to be avoided due to social norms.

Hungarian people tend to lose their sense of well-being due to a cold, and this adversely affects their social relationships. The research indicated that while people in other countries handle illness more lightly, Hungarian respondents are more prone to anxiety, making it difficult for them to participate in social gatherings.

Often, the anxiety caused by a cold also impacts workplace performance. People fear that due to their illness, they will not be able to fulfill their responsibilities, leading to additional stress. Due to social expectations and pressure from the workplace environment, many prefer to hide their symptoms rather than acknowledge their illness.

How to manage a cold and the associated feelings?

Managing a cold is not just about alleviating physical symptoms but also about reducing psychological burdens. It is important for society to be more supportive of those who are ill, as a cold is a natural occurrence that can affect anyone. Open communication can help reduce feelings of shame, and direct support can contribute to the recovery of patients.

There are numerous home remedies for alleviating cold symptoms. Proper rest, hydration, and consumption of vitamin-rich foods can aid in recovery. Additionally, stress management techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can also help restore mental balance.

Support from the immediate environment is also crucial. Friends and family can help ensure that the illness is easier to endure not only physically but also socially. Strengthening community cohesion and empathy can help prevent colds from becoming a taboo subject, allowing patients to acknowledge their illness more bravely, thereby reducing their anxiety.