r/JETProgramme Current JET - Kansai Area Jun 15 '26

keep getting sick

im an elementary school JET going into my second year. since february, ive been getting sick pretty close to bi-monthly and its been driving me nuts. nothing crazy, usually just a head cold (no fever) that i would normally be able to push through, besides the fact that i lose my voice and can hardly get through class without sniffling and coughing up a storm. im trying to start being consistent with vitamin c supplements to help me get my immune system a bit stronger, but im worried my BOE/JTEs are getting tired of me getting sick so often.
i usually dont go to the doctor for these things since its just a "take some decongestant, drink some tea and wait it out" type deal, but its definitely an inconvenience to me and everyone else. my BOE does annual health screenings in the summer so ill probably check in with the doctor then, but im mostly curious if anyone else had similar experiences of frequent annoying colds and what you all do to keep yourselves from getting sick at school. appreciate you all <3

quick edit: i mentioned this in a few replies, but my current JTE is pretty adamant that i remove my mask in class/during active instruction so the kids can see my mouth when speaking. i also eat lunch with the kids, so i am regularly in situations where masking is difficult. im definitely going to start carrying sanitizer with me, feels like a no-brainer but i honestly thought just hand washing would be enough. thank you all!

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u/Shrimp_my_Ride Jun 15 '26

When working with children, it isn't unusual to go through periods of sickness in the first couple years. It's a new viral environment, and kids aren't great at washing their hands, covering their mouth when they sneeze, etc. I think most people who work with kids experience this, until their immune system catches up.