Korean Job Discussion Forums

[redtortilla]

A couple of years ago during a routine checkup I tested positive for hep C anitbodies. I probably got it from vaccines I received before '91. My liver function is slightly high (around 60), and the disease is dormant. I am not in any way ill. Also, just for the record, hep C is not generally considered an STD (that route is possible but rare). And though technically contagious, the only way you can pass it on is through dirty needles and such.
The Korean consulate said it 'probably won't be a problem' for my E2 but that I should discuss it frankly with my potential employer beforehand. I'm not sure what to do. I feel like if I mention it I'll be rejected outright but if I don't say anything I'll probably pass the med. On the other hand, it would really suck to give up my job here just to be deported in Korea. Any sage advice?

red

[TheChickenLover]

Find another country to work in. HEP C will 100% keep you from getting a visa and will also 100% get you deported if it is discovered that you have it.

Sorry mate

Chicken

[redtortilla]

Thanks chicken. But are you absolutely sure? And why did the man at the consulate tell me it was 'probably OK?' Others on the thread mentioned that it seems to OK if its dormant...hep B is heaps more contagious than hep C.

sigh- I guess all that gossip about Korean xenophobia is true. These are the most strictest med checks I've ever heard of (except the US! but that's for a green card- don't know about e2).

[Join Me]

I don't think you are under any obligation to discuss this with your employer. If this is your first E-2 I think you have to fill out a form listing your health history. If a test is going to detect it, I would put it on the form. If the government issues a visa to you it is cool. If your employer finds out later and has an issue with it (doubtful), that is their problem. You were honest. I haven't had to renew since the new health check process was implemented so I don't know how the process works. Does the employer see the form you list your health conditions on or just immigration? That is the question.

[Chris_Dixon]

"Does the employer see the form you list your health conditions on or just immigration?"

If you go to the school, and take the form to immigration i would suspect its unlikely, But i know my school has a look at em, even opens the envelope, before taking them to immigration...so id be careful...
Knowing Korea i bet chances are if a school requested to see them immigration would let em have a peek lol.

The gay thing is that the check has to be done here, so if you are going to be rejected its going to be an expensive way to find out!!!

[hagwonnewbie]

I'm pretty sure immi is only checking for aids and drugs now. Go to immi with the results for those two tests and you should get your arc

[skdragon]

My first job required me to get vaccinations for Hep C. The antibodies show up now, and one doctor told me "It must be from a previous infection". I corrected them, and tehy looked shocked. Nonethless, it wasn't a problem for me (but I'm not an E2er either). Don't let it worry you, just go through the process.

[redtortilla]

"The gay thing is that the check has to be done here, so if you are going to be rejected its going to be an expensive way to find out!!"

Which would justify being up front with your employer perhaps. Who wants to give up their job just to be rejected in Korea?

[redtortilla]

"The gay thing is that the check has to be done here, so if you are going to be rejected its going to be an expensive way to find out!!"

Which would justify being up front with your employer perhaps. Who wants to give up their job just to be rejected in Korea?

[jazblanc77]

You can't get the actual disease from a vaccine.

[mekku]

i just had my medical exam a few days ago- they did a blood and urine test (hiv/aids, cocaine, and methampetamines among some of the listed tests to run), a chest x-ray (my first xray ever), an electrocardiogram (again, first ever), vision test, tooth check, ear check, height and weight, blood pressure, glaucoma test....and maybe one or two other things i have forgotten.

they seem to be pretty thorough about it- this is the health check i had to get done for immigration to get my arc. communicable diseases seem to be a pretty big concern. as to whether you would get deported or not, give it a shot and see i guess...i think it will depend on the immi office. it seems that every different place has their own standards.

[losing_touch]

As far as I know, there is no vaccine for Hep C. Specialized blood tests are needed to diagnose it. Generally, a high liver count will be a red flag for such an additional test. My medical check didn't test for Hep C. I had an extremely high liver count. Think triple yours ... They did not ask for the additional test. My liver count is high due to excessive drinking for 4 months in Thailand. It is much lower now thanks to less drinking and milk thistle =)

[seoulteacher]

A bit tangential, but nevertheless important...

South Korea is a high risk area for Hepatitis A & B (as is Asia generally) - see http://www.twinrix.ca/en/planning/destination/index.aspx?destination=89&x=19&y=9

Even tho' medical advice is that residents & visitors to South Korea should get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, I spent almost 6 years in South Korea unvaccinated - more than a bit careless of me!

But I have just had the first 3 shots of the twinrix vaccine (which covers both Hep A & B), with the last shot due in April 09...better late than never, eh?

And good luck, redtortilla!

[agoodmouse]

I had all my shots done in Chicago.

[redtortilla]

Back to Jazzblanc, if you had certain vaccinations before 91 (after which screening began) you could have been infected.
I can't imagine how else I would have gotten it.