Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ovid]

I'm not sure what it is. But I've only been here a little over six months and have been sick three times which is completely abnormal for me. Back in the States, I'm usually sick maybe from the flu or cold like once a year, but in Korea it seems I'm getting sick a lot more.

Anyone else out there notice themselves getting more sick more often here than where they originally were from? And, if so, what remedies do you recommend (I usually get some wierd spray and drugs which barely helps).

[seoulsucker]

Same happened to me, as well as just about everyone I know in their first 6 months or so. It's just your body/immune system adjusting to exposure of various new elements.

[sojourner1]

Oh yes, I was sick with colds, flus, and tonsilitus for nearly all of my first 3 months here. It was very disappointing and I sure I hope it's not like that next winter.

I have been seeing lots of people getting colds and flus recently, in the summer which is weird as I never seen summer time to be cold and flu season. It is all Koreans, teens and adults, who are sick now who were not sick last winter when all of us foreign teachers and kindy kids were sick allot. Maybe we get a break this summer.

[meangradin]

Do you work with children?

IMO, this is the main cause of illness. Unlike our home countries, Korean children are often forced to attend classes, even if they are quite sick. Therefore, we are always picking up what they have. I have lived in Korea for a long time, but I still get sick at least 5 times a year, even though I take vitamins, eat healthy foods, and exercise on a regular basis.

What makes this even more problematic is we are often expected to work, regardless of how sick we are.

[Tjames426]

Ditto..

I drink Lemon water and take occasional vitamins. Drink Vinegar water to cleanse digestion. I eat healthy food, mostly. Eat a lot of Garlic. Take cinammon on bread for breakfast.

I see a sick kid: I get them to sit as far away from me as possible.
While at School, I use handwipes generously.

After my snot nosed kids give me homework, wipe hands
Kids give me something, wipe hands.
During my class breaks, wipe hands.
After using the toilet, wipe hands.
Before my meal, wipe hands

Been fairly healthy without a major illness for a while.

[xCustomx]

When I worked in a hagwon I got sick on average of 1-2 times per month. At one point in the winter I was sick for 5 weeks because of kids grabbing me, coughing on me, sneezing, etc.. I've only had 1 minor cold in the 4+ months that I've been at a public school

[ovid]

Thanks for all the posts. I've just started getting sick again and I found it really odd that I was sick during the summer. But now that I think of it.. with kids touching, coughing, etc., it's no wonder I'm so sick again.

I was just pretty angry, because I rarely get sick. And getting sick in Korea completely sucks, particularly at this job, where you get 2 sick days, and no holidays off...working 5 days a week.

[kat2]

Buy some alcohol based hand sanitizer. They sell it at Missha (that cosmetics chain). It says "Keep Hands Clean" on it. I use it after every class and after each time I go to the bathroom (Yes, I wash my hands, but with no hot water at my elementary school, it doesn't really do that much.)
Eat lots of fruit. Get enough sleep. And get used to being sick. I get sick once a year at home like you, here its 3-4 times a year and thats after living here for 3 years.

[colonel sanders]

Not to mention the difference in climates. That can create respiratory problems as well (dry winters/humid summers)

Also, do any of you find it a little ironic that koreans cover their mouths when they laugh or smile, but then cough or sneeze right in your face?

[boyne11]

The respiratory sickness in Korea is mainly caused by "Hwang Sa."

[milkweedma]

Koreas air is full of fine and large particles which constitue air pollution. My guess is it blows accross from China hence Koreas almost permanent 'white haze". Seoul is far worse than where i am towards the east coast. Respiritory illnesses and the 'fever' are what everyone here seems to have to put up with thanks to our polluting neigbors accross the ditch. It aint the kids. Its the dirty air.

[Gamecock]

Ok, I know Korean kids don't cover their mouths when they cough, and working with kids does make you more prone to viruses, and there is some air pollution...but seoulsucker is right on, it's simply about adjusting to the "bugs" here. That takes exposure and time.

When the Europeans stepped off the boats and entered the Americas, they brought their flu and cold viruses with them. And it KILLED thousands of native americans because their immune systems had never encountered similar strains before. It's the same with you. Only you're not gonna die (unless the right Korean medical "professional" gets his hands on ya), you'll just be miserable your first year here.

Trust me it gets better. My first year I was sick all the time. Hardly a sniffle in the years hence.

[Paddycakes]

Oddly, 1st year, only got sick once.

2nd year, got sick a lot... frequent strep throat... like swallowing razor blades. Very not nice.

Came back to Canada... haven't got sick since....

[contrarian]

I have missed on day of work in Korea from illness in over 7 years.

On the other hand in my first year, in Daegu, I darned near coughed my lungs out. I found it was may darned room-mates smoking ( a four pack a day man).

I Think it is basically common sense and taking it cool.

[blondieLass]

I was in France for three weeks recently and kept on getting ill!
Also when I was a student I would always get a cold when I came back home from uni, and then when I went back to uni!!!

Think it must be a change in temperature/air/people you are around - and I think your mental state has a lot to do with it.