Originally Posted by mike

Yes it is flu season again. It is the time of year where most people get the flu waiting for the current flu vaccine to be developed. If you have lived in Korea you already know what the “Korean Crud” is all about. It is the welcome you get when you arrive Korea during the flu season. Symptoms include uncontrollable coughing, chills, eye pain, fatigue, and fluid in the lungs which comes up in a variety of green colors, which can last a few days (if you are lucky) to several weeks. My goal of this article to give you some tips in preventing the Korean Crud from ruining you month.

My fireplace had a flu in it. Just kidding!


Concerning the flu, this year appears to be more dangerous than any other year. If you are up on the major headlines you have already heard of the “Bird Flu” epidemic. There are already comparisons to the 1918 flu virus (killed 50 million people worldwide) which was also a bird flu that jumped directly to humans. The U.S. Senate just approved $4 billion to help prevent the bird flu. So, it is even more important than ever in taking precautions to remaining healthy.

Wow! I thought it's just in America!

1. Wash your hands!

Wash your hands, wash your hands and wash your hands. Get the idea? Washing your hands is the number one way in preventing the flu. Americans love to shake hands and that is a major way the flu spreads. Washing your hands before you eat is especially critical. Get yourself a good waterless hand sanitizer if you don’t want to take several trips to the bathroom. Also, avoid frequent contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
Where do you buy waterless sanitizer? Is it only in the big port cities? I have it sent to me. Don't worry about me. I'm a little nutty with the sanitizer anyway.

2. Clean your Desk

I read a study where worker’s desks are dirtier than the public bathrooms! The study’s premise was that most public restrooms get cleaned daily where desks get cleaned once a month. As a general rule, use a disinfectant spay and clean your desk and key board several times a week. If you share desks with co-workers, then clean the desk and key board before you start work.

Yeah, but what do you do when there's stains on the seat and no soap in the restroom? Water isn't getting that off without a trace.



3. Get the Flu Vaccine

Get the flu vaccine the first opportunity you get. It seems many people get the shot after they get the flu, which makes little sense. The best time to get the shot is between mid-October through Mid-November. If you are allergic to eggs or are pregnant, make sure you let the shot technician know.
What's in the shot? If it's from Merck, how do I know it doesn't have cells from aborted babies in it? Abortion has killed far more than 50 million. God bless the Koreans for counting their days of life here at conception!
I think there's a fear that other creepy stuff is in immunity shots.

4. Get plenty of rest

If you are like me, you never get enough sleep. Well, I plan on getting more sleep during this flu season. Your immune system is weakened if you don’t get enough rest. It is recommended to get 8 hours a sleep daily, especially if you are starting to get flu symptoms.

5. Drink to O.J

Vitamin C is a great way to prevent or manage the flu. It gives your body the ammunition to fight those nasty flu bugs. Instead of those ten Cokes a day, try drinking some drinks that contain vitamin C. In Korea they sell those mini-bottles that say “Vitalise Yourself” on the label (yeah I know, it should say vitalize!). Don't get too excited, you just missed a few things) They are great sources of vitamin C. You can even find them in the commissary.

6. Avoid the infected

Avoid those stubborn folks that think they can tough it out by going to work with flu like symptoms. You know the type. They come to work coughing their brains out and need to be told to go home. Avoid them or risk getting the crud!

Don't they make you go to work just short of having the plague in Korea?

7. Cut down on the Alcohol

A little less Soju can go a long way. Alcohol weakens your immune system for those nasty flu bugs to take advantage of. Alcohol also makes you feel warm in the cold and may prevent you from wearing a jacket.

What are you talking about? I wear my yellowjacket everywhere I go. It comes in handy when finding seats for your friends, who probably ride in another vehicle.




8. Dress warm

It is beginning to get colder in Korea. Start carrying around a light jacket or sweat-shirt if you plan to go out for the day. It cools down quickly when the night hits and you will be grateful that you lugged around that jacket all day.

I hope it's getting over. So far, no massive fatalities--and some say there's no God. .


9. Check the local news and CDC

It is important to keep up with the local news during flu season. Find out when the flu shots are available and get them right away. Check with the CDC for important news.

10. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing!

If you are at this point you have not listened to my preventive techniques and have the cold or flu. Well, don’t be rude and spread it! First, if you are really sick use those sick days or visit a doctor. If you must go to work, cover you nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

That's nothing to sneeze at.

Many of these steps are common sense. Follow them and hopefully you will make through the flu season unscathed.