Korean Job Discussion Forums

[While Away]

Well, I had some "Contact" with a person, who it turns out had syphilis. So I need to be tested and probably treated. Don't get into the "wear a condom... because we stopped long before that, but there was some "contact". Anyway, I saw that syphilis is tested for ARC cards, so what if you are tested any other time not for an ARC card. Would a positive reaction be reported to immigration to deny a future visa or renewal? Anywhere for an anonymous testing and treatment? Actually I have an out of country trip planned for August and could take care of it then; it looks like you should wait 2-3 weeks to be tested anyway. But of course I would rather take care of it sooner than later.

[duhweecher]

You do realize that syphilis requires 4 or so shots of penicillin spread over two week increments? (That's the Korean way at least...from what I hear, the US has advanced a bit in this regard) But from what I know, you will always show up positive for a VDRL which is the test Korea uses to detect STDs. After you show up positive, they should ask if you've had syphilis before (and whether it's been treated--they likely won't though). By law, I think they will ask for more blood to test for HIV and to see whether your VDRL is active, if they didn't do it with the amount that they sucked from you.

Regardless of how you look at it once you get syphilis the VDRL will ALWAYS be positive...even if you've been effectively treated for the infection.

Long story short: You're f$%ked when it comes to trying to teach in Korea.

In terms of how they will use the result (less a positive HIV test), it depends seriously on who you get in immigration. Considering that most of them don't really want to deal with anything new, odd, or different, I'd assume that ANY blemish on your medical report will summarily interpreted as a "we got another one" without a second thought.

Take care of it abroad if you have the resources. If later you find that you're HIV positive, have the good sense to consider whether living a clandestine life as a English-teaching-threat-to-society is really worth the money and emotional headache.

[WhileAway]

What is the Korean name for the type of clinic that tests for STD? Would it be urology?
비뇨기과?

Anyone know a clinic that particularly specializes in this?

I guess I will just ask them directly if they report positives directly to immigration.

I'll try and go ahead and start the treatment as soon as possible , even before waiting for results,

[chrisinkorea2011]

[yodanole]

Candy Barr ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_Barr