Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mindmetoo]

Weird thing. When you work with a lot of little Virus Distribution Factories (students), you're at risk of catching way more head colds. I've caught about 3 colds since I came here in December (currently suffering the third). Now when I get colds back in North America they are 5 days of pure misery (bad congestion that makes you want to cut your head off) and then about 3-4 days of feeling like general hell. The last three colds I've had in Seoul have been basically 2 days of not-at-all-bad congestion. "Oh is this as bad as the congestion is going to get?" By the third day I'm a little tired but most of the congestion has gone away. Just keep some Starbucks napkins handy for a runny nose (curiously Starbucks napkins are softer than most of the Kleenex I've found here).

So. Like. Anyone else noticed this? Your head colds have not been quite the misery you experienced back at home?

[katydid]

Well, I've found that I'll have the sneezing and runny or stuffed up nose for a couple of days, but the one thing that sticks around is the cough. I guess for the other symptoms, the length of time decreased while living here, but as it was back home, the cough stays.
Also, I think by teaching kids your going to have a cold a lot more frequently than you would with adults.

[animalbirdfish]

I don't know if it's the air or the students or ... what... but I basically feel like I've got a cold all the freakin' time here. This is not a healthy environment.

[royjones]

3 weeks and no cold yet..

[Demophobe]

Your immune system will kick in soon enough. Just don't follow the Koreans advice and go to the hospital or pharmacy. They will percribe some satchels full of 5 or 6 pills with no questions about allergies or other side-effects of taking this medicine. The contents of the little paper satchels will probably leave you on the floor, even without a reaction....it's just that strong.
Take care to wash your hands thoroughly as often as possible and never, never touch your mouth until doing so.

[sparkx]

[peppergirl]

Been here 6 months, haven't gotten sick yet

[discostar23]

I find my nose is either running or stuffed up everyday! It gets worse when I go to school. What I figure is the school is in a brand new building so I'm suffering from new building syndrome or something. My co-workers have noticed the same thing.

i agree though that korea isn't a healthy environment. Try driving a scooter in wall to wall traffic and see how your lungs feel after that

[t bear]

11 months in. I have had maybe 5 colds. Where as at home maybe one a year, maybe none. I would say the colds themselves are worse here aswell.

[Demophobe]

Sounds like some of you need your mommy...

[t bear]

.....or to get out of this country. 26 days and counting

[discostar23]

well its the next day and guess what I caught a cold!!! argh!

[optimus d]

ive been here for just over a month and have gotten two colds. would also have to say theyre not quite as severe here but still annoying.

[funplanet]

1st year I was sick maybe 3 good times...absolutely miserable...
2nd year...once
3rd and 4th...ZIPPPPPPP!

give the ole immune system time and hopefully your sufferin' will be soon be over

[mindmetoo]