Korean Job Discussion Forums

[misher]

Did any of you guys get sick a day after your arrival? I got a head cold and I believe it is from the air conditioner and change in atmosphere. I just hope it isn't swine flu that I caught in the airport coming over. My hasook Jib mom thinks I have swine flu I think.

Is there an easy cheap way to get a test? Itaewon's international clinic? I doubt I have swine flu but if my host mom gets all panicky at least I can appease her paranoia with the test results in hand.

misher.

[Chris_Dixon]

the test is just a swab from the mouth, takes about 2 days to get the results...im sure the itaewon clinic will be able to help or point you in the right direction (im in daegu so dont know where to go in Seoul)

My test was going to be free (i actually couldnt be bothered getting it in the end) But ive heard of people getting paying 30-70,000w. Aparently if you dont have a fever you wont have the flu, thats what the government run hospital said, she wasnt even testing weigooks unless they had a fever.....so you could always just grab a thermometer from a pharmacy.

Its not uncommon to get sick after recently entering the country

[kentucker4]

Man I missed one day after a week of work and recived an email that night telling me I was 'let go.' I was having severe panic attacks, though, with a tonne of sleep deprivation. I wouldn't risk it.

[bixlerscott]

When I came over nearly 3 years ago, I was repeatably sick my 1st 3 months with colds and tonsilitus. This was not only uncomfortable, but embarassing with fears I would be fired. I hung in there, worked sick, and did my best. Your 1st time to Asia takes your body some getting used to as the germs and viruses have slightly different variations than those at home. It's kind of like being a kid all over again.

[SeoulMan6]

Who says you don't have the swine flu? I wouldn't mess around. A guy from some government organization will probably call you to ask about your health within a week of your arrival.

[misher]

yeah I've been monitoring my body temperature and it was only 37.1 the other night. It is now back to a normal 36.4

I don't think I have swine flu. it is just a head cold from the pollution , sleep deprivation etc. I would believe that if one had swine flu they would have a pretty sever fever.

I think I'll be ok.

THanks to all the replies

misher

[bixlerscott]

[bassexpander]

If you do have a fever, call here: 02-352-1679


That's the gov't office that called to check on my health once I'd flown in.

[thurst]

swine flu doesn't necessarily present with a fever, so stop bs'ing around and get that test ASAP

[ekul]

It's embarrassing to read this thread and notice the huge overreaction that's occurring, even among waegooks. It's been established that unless you have a severe underlying health condition, are extremely young or old, that you shouldn't be too concerned. The panic and hypochondria caused by a bunch of internet scaremongers far out weighs any potential benefit any of you could possibly offer. So stop suggesting people to get an S.I test that could cost 100,000 won when the only thing happens is you suck on a thermometer for 30 seconds.

[AgentM]

Yeah, I'm really not looking forward to getting exposed to all those Asian viruses that I have no immunity to. My immune system isn't that great here as it is...

[gaffe]

[cubanlord]

[Epicurus]