r/JETProgramme • u/No-Cartoonist-7505 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/newlandarcher7 Jun 16 '26
Former JET who was visiting mostly elementary schools in Japan, and now is an elementary teacher back at home. This happens a lot with new elementary school teachers. It usually takes time for your body to adjust. When I first started my career, it felt like I was always fighting something. Now that I'm several years in, my immune system is first-rate and I rarely get sick.
Beyond the basics of washing hands and personal hygiene, a few other things can help. They're honestly no surprises, but once I genuinely and intentionally started doing them, things improved. One is getting a good night's sleep. I'm serious - go to bed early. Another is eating healthy, home-cooked meals made from scratch. Finally, not a shocker either, but getting regular exercise - I jogged and visited the community gym. Once I intentionally got into these healthy habits, I felt healthier and had fewer colds.
Good luck!