Going to the Doctor/Hospital in Japan

I go to the hospital/doctor a lot. I was actually at the hospital over the weekend and while I was sitting in the back room, I was like "Hey, I should make a video about this!"
Hopefully someone finds this useful. Or just has fun laughing at all of my trips to the doctor's/hospital.
These are just my experiences, though. If you've gone to the doctor's/hospital in Japan, what has been your experience? I'm curious.
(Seriously, though, I love how cheap healthcare is here)
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[@RachelandJun]

I'm sorry you got sick again!!

[@TexaninTokyo]

Hahaha, thanks. I'm better now ♥

[@rameezraja7837]

hi

[@TeamStephenson]

That's so strange to me because in Britain we have free healthcare but we wouldn't go to the doctor for colds or flu. There would also be no treatment or test available because you will just get better in a few days. Ibuprofen and paracetamol will ease the symptoms and can be bought in most shops.

[@mariem24601]

Sounds like they seriously need an app that tells you based on location, date, time, which hospital is open close to you.

[@TexaninTokyo]

mariem24601 Oh. That would be brilliant. Wow. Someone should really make that!

[@redeye789852]

shouldn't hospitals be 24/7 by virtue what a hospital is. I don't think I personally know one in the states with a designated closing time, clinics sure but not hospitals

[@09csr]

The sheet explaining how and when to take the medications sound incredibly useful. Many of our patients could use that, especially old people, since it could serve as a medical list (useful for patients who frequently visit many different sections), a good guide in how and when to take the medicines, and how to best finish the medication.

[@houseofaction]

was doing a little research and what one guy said is that most of these "hospitals" would be called clinics in the u.s and on japanhealthinfo it says that most of the major hospitals have emergency rooms that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These are mainly for patients in need of critical care. Patients who do not need critical care are often rejected and advised to visit an emergency clinic

[@Dumdumshum]

From what she referenced, that seems accurate, Daya. "We're not accepting patients right now." She said the receptionist said.

[@Ohnogoblin]

I'm from the UK and going to the doctor when you have a cold is just unthinkable for me. Colds aren't seen as anything serious: most people get them a couple times a year and you just spend a couple days in bed. Unless things got super serious or it lasted more than a week I wouldn't want to waste the doctors time.

[@Syrephine]

I am glad you are feeling better. Thanks for the information about the hospitals and doctors down there. I would have probably ran out.

[@ArchOfWinter]

The different medications are probably anti-histamine to treat the symptoms with one or two that actually treat the illness (germ/virus). Separating the medication into say a pill for each symptom runny noise, stuffy noise, inflammation, sneezing, and etc. help keeps the cost and side effects low. Giving an all in one pill to treat more than what you need is basically taking more medication than what your body need and the ingredient that bound the different medication together into one single pill increases possible side effects.

[@NameePark]

Hi grace and ryosuke ! I've noticed that in some of your sit down vlogs, you leave a lot of head space in the frame and there's a lot of unused space on the screen above the head. I think the framing looks best when just the tip of the head is cut off the frame and gives lots of perspective to what's going on in the video, even if you're just talking. They do say that 90% of communication is nonverbal and we'll get a better idea and feel of what is being said if we can see more of the body rather than empty space above the head. Hope this was helpful > < keep working hard !! This video was insightful ^ ^

[@NameePark]

***** headspace is important !

[@TheFeepeh]

you just saved me ten mins from being bored at work thank you =D

[@pacificglass6173]

Honey lemon water everyday. Even when you don't feel unwell. More vitamins and minerals. Don't forget your protein

[@DTQueen90]

I'm just glad the urgent care is becoming more of a thing where I live. They have really good hours (typically 8am-8pm, 7 days a week - some are 24 hours) and they are perfect for the "I'm sick enough to need help, not sick enough for the hospital, and I can't get an appointment with my PCP."

[@KiraHunter2310]

Here in England we dont shove stuff up our nose to find out if we have the flu. Seems like very over the top stuff!

[@sacredsiren]

Or, finding out immediately if you do or do not have the flu will give them a good idea of the best way to treat it. They can guess at whether it is a cold or if you have the start of the flu, but the flu is much more serious and the antiviral treatments that work to diminish the length and severity of the flu need to be administered within 48 hours of symptom onset to work. Swabbing someone's nose is hardly "over the top," it is the same thing they do to your throat to diagnose strep, and is a simplistic diagnostic tool.

[@gbasai2242]

I was think the same think. If me or my husban woke up Saturday or Sunday with the flu it would depending how bad it is we may go doctors monday but mostly the end of week but it's just the flu. In England if we went to hospital with flu doctors would not be happy.

[@nataliedubious5241]

in Australia the nasal swab test is available for a flu test, it's just rarely done..

[@louisacapell]

I agree. the treatment for flu is rest snd fluids. seriously. it's not that big of a deal.

[@Seankwondo87]

Depends. The flu actually kills quite a few people every year and a lot of what people generally refer to as "the flu" is actually just a severe cold.

[@johannacxiii]

That is absolutely insane. Not the cost, that's actually one of the lowest I've seen, but the off hours system, my goodness! In the Netherlands during off hours you can call a central replacement GP office that tells you what to do or gives you permission to go to the ER (because yes you do need permission in non-critical emergencies!). Might seem weird but at least you have a number you can call 24/7 for free you know.

[@Intrepidity]

But then again, who goes to the doctor for a headache and a cold? I don't even take over the counter drugs for that. Just chill out, make some tea and it'll pass.

[@DSKeymie0117]

This was really good for me to know, since I am going abroad for studies in Japan next year! Btw, just want to say that I think you look really pretty today :) I Like how you have done your makeup :)

[@craigr1669]

I've been watching yours and Rachel and Jun's vids, and I'm surprised how similar Italy and Japan can be, specially when it comes to doctors and stuff.

[@Cordzimm]

Interesting timing for me to run across this. A family member in Japan recently went through some medical stuff. I was mystified my the concept of a hospital closing for weekends and holidays. Thanks for the info!

[@NathalieTravelMuse]

uh oh.....i'm binge watching...

[@hpekristiansen]

I live in Denmark - our healthcare is free. I had no idea that there is a treatment for the common cold. In Denmark, there is no where to go with these symtoms - all you will be told is "Wait three weeks, and if you are not feeling better, then go to your own doctor in his opening hours". I would like to have the possibility to pay for the treatment.

[@jem3295]

Grace, I really like your videos. They're educational and your stories are also very interesting. Keep up the good work.

[@Truecrimeresearcher224]

I'm sorry you get sick a lot "hugs" but thanks to you I know what to do if I get sick watching your vids makes me want to live in Japan more and more you guys rock

[@furrantee]

Watching this while really sick is interesting. So much cheaper than here in the US.

[@TheFlowMind]

OMG there are places in which they ask you to pay for the ambulance??!! People are crazy. I'm glad I was born in Italy and now I live in the uk...they are not great in being fast but they don't charge you for most of the assistance...

[@TheFlowMind]

I don’t think that the problems come from foreign citizens. It such a small number of people! In any case healthcare should be free (paid with taxes) EVERYWHERE. It's a human right and every country should guarantee something that basic.

[@TheFlowMind]

***** Healthcare is free for everyone in Italy. They won't ask you to pay unless you decide to go to the emergency room for nothing. They assign to you a code (white, green or red) that is related to the urgency of the care that you need. Only if you're code white you'll have to pay something. Italian citizens will have to pay a "ticket" for hospital exams if they are under 65 years old and have a salary that will allow them to pay but every exam will be from 10 to 50 euro so it’s not a big deal. If you’re a foreign citizen in Italy you’ll never be turn down by the emergency room in the hospital or any doctor.

[@440s]

in my country the ambulance is free only for mmm dont know the word in english but like when you have some cardiac problems, car crashes, etc...cos is an emergency and first aids on scene service, not a transportation service...if you call and you have the flu you will be charged...there are some ambulance services that are paid monthly that you can use for wathever you want, and actually go with a doctor to your house..and well all hospital care is free, but like I said is only for emergency...if you go cos your stomach hurts, you will get a needdle and ask to leave...for common problems like flu you have to go to a doctor office and paid depending on your ensurence and you will get full attention...but well noone goes to the doctor for the flu and if I feel really sick and have some importants thing to do I just go to de hospital take the shot and bye bye sickness xD

[@craigr1669]

TheFlowMind I was born in Italy and lived there up until a year ago, and then moved to the United States. My first ambulance ride was $750usd lol It's pretty awful. I'm used to getting accepted into the emergency room for no cost, and just going to my family doctor.

[@Silvermouse27]

TheFlowMind I know, horrifying right! In Australia, if you don't have ambulance membership you can be made to pay up to $5000 for an ambulance (air ambulance/mobile intensive care ambulance). However, if you pay membership ($100 for families per year), it's free. This takes some pressure off the public health system without bankrupting the family

[@LaurenSilverZita]

You mentioned having a bad immune system-have you ever considered that you have an immune deficiency? (Ie> you are literally missing a part of your immune system, usually a specific type of cells). In the past it was called common immundeficiency I believe, but it now has a different name. My brother has this, and they only found out about it because he was constantly sick as a kid. There's medication that essentially boosts and replaces the missing part of the immune system so that way you don't get sick all of the time. Just a thought.

[@FunkyBukkyo]

Got sick really bad that I had to go to a doctor/hospital in Japan one summer. Between my limited Japanese and their limited English we were somehow able to communicate. They were very thorough, including the aforementioned flu test. They never did figure out what was wrong with me, but the medication they gave me actually worked, almost overnight. Oh yeah, I was a tourist and no insurance, and ended up paying around 8,000 yen including medicines. One thing though, electronic cashiers that accept both cards and cash, first time I've ever seen them.

[@TexaninTokyo]

無刀 Good to hear you got better! Take it easy buddy (Ryosuke)

[@FunkyBukkyo]

Texan in Tokyo Thank you... there's always a first time for everything :)... Since then, I now take care of my health before travelling overseas

[@Takemysenf]

In Germany, too, you cannot buy just pills whereever and whenever you want (for headaches yes, but besides that you need prescriptions). And the opening hours of doctors are very similar. And if you go to hospital on weekend because of something minor (like fever), the staff is not amused, they expect you to pull through until Monday morning. But all of this is free in Germany because the insurance covers it all. However, it is kinda scary that if you travel to Japan and get sick, no one will understand you if you can't speak Japanese...

[@RedShareen]

Yep, about hospitals taking turns being closed whilst one stays open, this is what pharmacies do in Greece. There's always a calendar thing posted on the door of every pharmacy providing the month's schedule on which pharmacy will be remaining open during closing times. But then, it's a pharmacy. I'm kinda surprised to hear Japan would do that for hospitals!

[@nikolatovar9884]

This is all incredibly eye-opening!! Thanks for the tips! Love your vids!

[@subparSamaritan]

I cannot even fathom the concept of a hospital closing... ever! That's unbelievable that some emergency may happen to you and it may take you 3-4x's longer for an ambulance to take you to the open hospital, even if you were right next to a hospital that just happened to be closed that day or week or however the rotation thing works.

[@K8VKH]

From what I've heard, there are restrictions on what would be considered American OTC meds in Japan because that how doctors can profit. Tests and procedures are subsidized while medications are not (as much.) There is a risk being over-prescribed everywhere, but especially in Japan. This is much different from Mexico where you can go directly to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist what s/he recommends for your symptoms. You used to be able buy antibiotics OTC in Mexico, but that practice has stopped for good reasons.

[@MEninjakitty]

Most areas have translation services. It's a matter of finding out the phone numbers for your local area so when you go to the doctor you can get them to call these services.

[@RoamThePlanet]

Who goes to the hospital for a cold? :P Great videos. I've been watching more and more lately.

[@Fireflycolor1]

So interesting! in Spain the hospital is free you only have to pay the medicine that you use in your house. The only problem is that see and specialist may be delayed for months but if you go because of an emergency the specialist will see you at the time.

[@TheDinoBean]

This is both very helpful and terrifying!

[@gamerabb]

I didn't have insurance when I went to Japan. I ended up paying around $150 when I got sick. I recommend don't get sick. That was awful for me.

[@TexaninTokyo]

I always recommend not getting sick when you're travelling. That's never fun...

[@norb4152]

Just be glad you were in Japan and not in the USA. Next time, just get travel health insurance, it's not that expensive.

[@ikaruseijin01]

Texan in Tokyo I got terribly ill in Turkey when I was there, but they don't require prescriptions there to buy "prescription" drugs so I went to the pharmacy and just bought what I needed. (I'm not a doctor but I knew what to do about it since I had experienced the issue before. If I hadn't I'd have visited a doctor.) Damn near ruined the trip, but I was able to recover quickly.

[@Belyndrae]

Texan in Tokyo The day we landed in Seoul for a 10 day trip my two kids came down with a stomach bug.. Four days later it had passed through all four of us and we were finally able to leave the hotel and see the City.

[@Belyndrae]

I'm so sorry that you were sick and I hope you are feeling better now! Thank you for this insightful video on the healthcare here in Japan.. I was always curious about how the hospitals worked since I heard they were closed on the weekends from a friend. I'm here with my husband who is in the US Navy so we go to the base hospital. However, before I had my thyroid removal surgery last year.. I did go to a Japanese hospital for a radioactive iodine test. It was an interesting experience that I will never forget.. I had to wear special slippers and leave my shoes at the door of the unit because they were worried about radiation contamination. Thankfully, I had a translator from the base because I unfortunately do not speak much Japanese. :(

[@Lukiel666]

So glad I live in Canada. But normally for a cold or flu I take lemon juice hot water and honey. Herbal tea like rose hip which has vitamin C. White flower embrocation from Chinatown herbal medicine shop, sort of like Vicks Vaporub and A535 in one. I go to the doctor when I have bronchitis or something I can't take care of myself. Strep would definitely fall in that category.

[@Athlynne]

I miss you guys, and hope you're doing well and are happy.

[@adrianspiritflame]

I Know what you mean xc

[@SonNeko]

Well I hope that you recover quickly and stay healthy for a long time. My sister was in a bicycle accident in Japan years ago and had to have her face stitched up at the hospital! They wanted to just patch it up, but our aunt is a nurse and told us always have a plastic surgeon stitch your face up, because they will do a better job. It was funny because the plastic surgeon was surprised that my sister knew to ask for her, and inquired of my sister if there were many plastic surgeons in the US....there are a few...I wish I could have been there for her even though I probably would be just as confused as she was, but my sister's situation was made even more problematic by the fact that her jaw and tongue were injured too so she couldn't talk very well. Fortunately, she did have her university guidance councilor to her help her translate a bit. She's better now but she had a long recovery. It must be so scary going to a hospital in another country when you have an emergency.

[@chaos9494]

Dang, we must have gotten lucky with our hospital because as far as I know it's open all the time. Or at least... it's always open on Saturdays. Oh god, I've never had that flu test before but listening to you talk about it is freaking me out!

[@treaders76]

Very useful. Thank you.

[@donniec2526]

Oh man I just cracked up after the gaint Q - tip part. I can imagine how funny it be getting sick in Japan and not knowing a lick of japanese. Then having a doctor trying to stick a gaint Q-tip up my nose xD! Lol

[@jukthewise8776]

Idea (bing)! I love visiting aquariums (tourist trap type, not home aquarium). I imagine there are some pretty cool aquariums in Japan. How about a video about a visit to one of them?

[@koly9123]

Hi Grace! I'm so glad you uploaded this video. I'm going to be abroad in Japan late next month and will be there through the end of July. I'll be in the Kobe region :3 I don't get sick in the summer really and I don't know much about the health services at the university I'll be going to but this video does help. I hope nothing happens to me where I'll be in one of those situations. :3 When I was last in Japan it was winter time and I caught a cold, my host family gave me a Chinese herbal medicine that was pellet shaped and I drank it with hot water if I remember.

[@Ging_10]

Natural medicine for cold: 1) On an empty stomach drink water mixed with some drops of lemon. 2) Just before you sleep or after you wake up, eat some honey (One or two spoons) 3) Buy Olive Oil. This oil is very dense it is not for cooking however you can add it to the food you eat. One spoon every morning or before you go to sleep. 4) Finally eat a lot of oranges and apples and that sort of fruits. You can do all of them together especially (2) and (3). My country is on the Mediterranean sea, we depend a lot on these foods. Believe me try it once and you will not need any medicine for the rest of ur life :).

[@stevenbrener4702]

Wow...I was there in the late 80s and I don't remember difficulties like this when I needed medical care.

[@ikaruseijin01]

I wish I had the information to offer, but back when I was travelling about Japan there were health information lines with English speakers one could call in case of illness, which could direct you to clinics and hospitals depending on your circumstance, and even to those which have English or other foreign language services... of course that was way back in 2001. I also had a list of addresses, and websites too.

[@ktfish74]

I'm sure someone has already told you this....BUT.......My sister got sick ALL the time w/ strep & whatnot. Then she got her tonsils removed & now she hardly gets sick ;) I dunno, maybe it's something you could look into.

[@TexaninTokyo]

I actually got my tonsils removed in January of 2016 and i haven't (really) been sick since then! It's amazing. I wish I had done it sooner!!!

[@gymkhanadog]

That's really bizarre. Usually it works the other way around; remove tonsils and that person gets sick frequently since they are an infection defense mechanism. I had really bad tonsillitis about 10 years ago and the doctor was doing everything he could _not_ to remove them. Ain't the human body an interesting thing! :D

[@BNJ24]

I went vegan 15 years ago and can go a whole season and year without even getting a cold. I'm not invincible to other stuff but colds and flu seem to stay far, far, away. And in the case that I get them, they are over much faster and I swear I don't even know what a stuffed nose feels like anymore.

[@laylee8307]

In the US if you went to a Hospital for a cold or flu you would be waiting many many hours. Hospitals are for broken bones, heart problems,serious emergency care ect.. If its a cold or a flu and it's the weekend you pretty much wait till Monday and see your regular doctor or wait it out.

[@lizericson1309]

I am glad you feel better and I hope you dont get sick anytime soon :D

[@jayel1471]

It seems very strange that you can't buy over the counter Ibruprofen. Sleeping tablets I understand, they are difficult to get in the UK, probably because they can become addictive. I think a few simple questions are the best way of identifying the flu rather than that torture!

[@josev7417]

Jay El

[@josev7417]

I meant to say I'm the US, health is a business. That's why there is so much crap out there. I'll prescribe you something to treat your illness, however that is going to make you sick in a different way so you come back, that way they make their money. your health comes last.

[@jayel1471]

***** not the type that Americans have access to.

[@shrbtdr]

I'm here as an exchange student and right after I arrived, I caught tonsilitis. The international office took me to the University's doctor and then to a hospital. I was confused, didn't really know what was going on, but everything went fine. I got antibiotics and got better very quickly. Just two days later I had a disc hernia (had that before in Germany and my luggage was quite heavy, but I managed to carry 3 suitcases through Tokyo all on my own - that probably was a bad idea though lol). I went to several hospitals, got different kinds of treaments and medicine. It was exhausting, but I mostly had great experiences; the doctors were kind (some even know difficult words in my mothertongue German because they had to study German in terms of being a doctor), always trying to find out exactly what was wrong with me. Because the guys of our IntOff went with me and translated, I was able to understand everything. Concerning the health insurance: In Germany you pay a monthly fee and everything is free then. It is a great system I feel, and it kinda struck me a bit when I came to Japan, but of course I know that there are a lot of countries where it is worth and going to a hospital costs an endless amount of money, so I am pretty content with Japan's way. Hope you are feeling better! And I feel ya in all the hospital stress :)!

[@keepXonXrockin]

I've never heard of that "flu test", what kind of a hellish procedure is that o_o so happy i've never had that done to me

[@feverwithme]

So informative and interesting! Glad you have things figured out over there. :)

[@Lunhara]

In Quebec ( Canada) we have free healthcare, but we have to pay the ambulance if we take it, it cost around 100 $ US, to take the ambulance.. We have free healthcare but the service is so slow , sometimes it is better to pay and have a fast and good care.

[@houseofaction]

if i ever go to japan. and i get sick i am definitely not doing that flu test

[@BNJ24]

I think she should refuse it. It sounds painful and damaging.

[@Ostara616]

As a nurse that works in a hospital the idea of an emergency room/hospital being closed makes me want to do a doggie head tilt. I just can't wrap my brain around that concept.

[@sayakasaya5341]

there's a lot of drugstore everywhere in japan you can buy there medicines for headache fever and flu w/out doctors prescription.....you have to buy and stock it in your house just in case you get sick again....

[@alkminipap]

I have never actually been to the hospital... I get migraines quite often so when I moved to Japan for 9 months I took some painkillers ,but also every possible pill I could think of! (I am a pharmacist so this helped). No one ever checked my bag and if I was running low my mom used to send me some by post!

[@Robinz566]

This might be a Dutch thing but most people here don't go to the doctor when they have the flu or a cold. We just wait it out. We only go to the doctor whenever we encounter something unusual. (as far as I've experienced) I've only been to the doctor once in my entire life when I broke my leg. This all sounds odd to me, but very interesting, nice video! :)

[@carlena4300]

I'm from the UK so I'm used to free healthcare (although I very rarely use it), but whilst living in New Zealand I had to have surgery where you have to pay. Even though I had a visa I wasn't entitled to free health care and had to pay for a doctors appointment ($150 NZD) and then subsidised medication (around $100 nzd for three prescriptions). My symptoms worsened and due to abdominal pain and throwing up blood I ended up in the hospital and had to have emergency surgery. Luckily because of a reciprocal agreement between the UK and New Zealand it was free but had it not been an emergency I was looking at $10,000 alone for the surgery without all of the tests and a week's stay in hospital! The NHS may not be perfect but I appreciate it all the more now.

[@TheBayoubreeze]

I use to have strep every year 1 or 2 times. Then I figured out that if I kept my self from coughing as much that Icwould not get strep. Coughing causes the iritation in the throat that then gets infected. That means if you can't get meds over counter like cough drops then you may need to get a script that is one you can get filled when you need it. If they even do that. Cough drops and syrup. And in between honey and lemon tea. I promise once I learned this I stopped having strep. Love your vids.

[@dolgormaae6234]

Another great video! Sometimes you reminds me Felicity Jones haha sorry but you really looks like her

[@1029blue]

It seems like Germany is one of the few countries (or maybe it's other European countries as well) where doctors prescribe very few medications. I remember getting sick with a fever a lot as a kid and teenager, and my doctor mostly recommended home or herbal remedies or only prescribed two types of medication. For instance, when I had sinusitis, I took some herbal remedy and plain saline spray. Antibiotics also seem to be prescribed much more often in the US. I had otitis a few times, and the doctor "prescribed" (I could have gotten them without a prescription) some herbal remedy and told me to only take antibiotics if the pain got really bad. No matter how bad I felt, I was usually back on my feet and going to school within 3 - 5 days. I was amazed by the amount of medication (and a lot of it really strong) that one can get over the counter, just in a regular isle, in the US.

[@0oZzZzZo0]

it's weird that you have to go to the hospital every time you catch a flu or have a fever or have trouble sleeping. it feels like you're taking too many pills. usually when I have a cold or fever or I don't feel bad I drink tons of herb tea or make ginger/lemon tea. I try to stay in bed (if possible). Medicine is for when I really, REALLY feel bad...

[@dxgirlyNikki]

Eeek! That experience sounds awful! Especially the giant q-tip part. I would probably be crying too. I hope you're to stay well for awhile so you don't have to endure that again anytime soon. :(

[@hunnybean269]

Damn ivenever heard of this flu test, here in the uk they just check your throat and that's really it

[@LindaLuxable]

They need some 24/7 mini clinics to aid you if you are sick on weekends and provide transportation.

[@udidwht]

+LindaLuxable In a country with the highest life expectancy? I'd say they are doing just fine.

[@aaronneumeyer5572]

Hi Grace! A question for you.... if you've been home to Texas can you stock up on NyQuil and the other American basics or would you get flagged in customs?

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

You poor dear...I've also gotten strep throat multiple times, my most recent being last summer. Only thing about that story was that my health insurance from work was THREE DAYS away from kicking in. And anyone that's had strep knows it's not just, oh, a little fever and sore throat. No! That is a very, very, very painful illness that can only be cured with antibiotics. This particular time had to have been one of my worst cases of it; so bad, I couldn't even swallow spit, much less eat or drink anything. I couldn't just treat the symptoms over the counter and wait for the health insurance to kick in...not with a fever of 104/105, in which in hindsight, I realize I was starting to get to that blackout point and was quite delirious the morning before I went to the hospital. No clinic would take me without insurance so I had to go to ER...which was a bill of nearly $1000...a bill I'm still paying off. Random anecdote though about the day before I went. It was in June and for the last few weeks, I had been making homemade ice cream. On my first off day, I had felt bad but in listening to music and folding clothes that evening, I felt better. The next morning came and I felt sick again but figured moving around would again help. I went to the store to get cough drops, plus the ingredients for egg nog ice cream. It required nutmeg so I went to the seasoning aisle. Now, by this point, my fever had risen and I was getting tired of being on my feet. But I was determined to find the nutmeg, lol. I now think it's not available all year...and if so, they were out of stock. After actually having the patience to stand there for about five minutes, I settled for allspice (every time I say that, I say it in that deep voice the guy from the Allstate commercials uses...American's, you'll know what I'm talking about, XD). I finally got all my things and decided to use self-check out, which is usually faster. Usually being the key word. I got the lucky draw of getting one of the checkouts that were on its way to being broken. I caught hell scanning my things, running the barcode again and again. By now, I was starting to sway from standing and was blacking out at the edges. I managed to pay for the three items I did check out and instantly moved my stuff to another checkout spot that a woman had finished at, which blessedly worked. If it didn't...I would've just left everything there, including the cream and milk I had picked up for the ice cream. I was just at that level of not caring and was terrified I was going to pass out in front of everyone. Moving helped though. As I walked off, I was able to lean against my cart. I lived only five minutes from the store and even managed to bring everything in myself (despite having family members that could help) and put it all away but I didn't leave my bed after that. So much for thinking I could take on anything, lol!

[@panda7858]

I have learned about different foods that help when you get sick. Immune system deficiency -Apples, pears, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, game, garlic, honey, oily fish, papayas, mangoes, peppers, seaweed, sea vegetables, seeds, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and watercress. Respiratory problems/coughs and colds ~ Apples, blackberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cranberries, garlic, honey, olive oil. Sleeping problems ~ Bananas

[@gabor1991]

Wat. You go to the hospital for a flu? I don't even go to a doctor for small stuff like this. Just wait it out for a few days.

[@dustmite723]

gabor the flu is more worse than a cold. If it goes away in a few days it's just a cold

[@Yesuhey]

thank you SO MUCH! this was eye opening and ...bit scary

[@timgonya3593]

i found that peanut butter or pudding and even ice cream will take the bitter taste of the medication out of your mouth. it's a little trick found on time when was having a bad asthma couple years ago.

[@Stefan_Payne]

From what you've said, that doesn't sound too much different from Germany. I think you can get Iboprufen from the local pharmacy but not Sleeping Pills... The hospital situation isn't much better here. If you're pregnant and about to give birth, the next hospital with a delivery room is about 70km away... And there is also something like emergancy care, that's listed in some newspapers for the Weekends... We have different stages for the medicine: some stuff you can buy in the super market. (Klosterfrau Melissengeist, Doppel Herz), but most of the stuff just in pharmacys. Either with a perscription or without. And than there is the really hard stuff you can't get your hands on easily that fall under controlled substance. But you don't have contact with that normally, so you don't need to care about that much (like Morphin)...

[@BNJ24]

Yeah, I'm not sure what type of sleeping pills she's talking about. I've never needed them so maybe there are some otc ones in the US. I thought the real ones all required an prescription.

[@jostein219]

Stefan Where in Germany do you live that it takes 70km to ne next hospital with delivery room? O.o Where I live, I could deliver a baby in 5 different hospitals all about 2 to 3km from my home.

[@Stefan_Payne]

Near the danish border, on an Island...

[@min-seojung1018]

Flu tests..! The healthcare systems sounds a bit complicated..this going back and forth between hospitals/doctors would do my head in -can't imagine going through all that whilst being sick! Buut glad to hear you're feeling better :) x

[@syrenawebb2605]

the service hours sound like heck, oh my gosh. I'm so used to being out of a clinic within 20-45 minutes for a strep test and script, then I'm finished. it sounds complicated over there.

[@thestaralchemistanimelover2164]

This was really informative!! By the way, the little packets that you were referring to are called 'blister packets.'

[@ShiroNeko069]

Oh my gosh I got strep throat for two weeks every month last year. It was HORRIBLE. Man japan is not a place for me to be since I get sick constantly lol. Glad you're better ~

[@chelseykate14]

I had that flu test thing done years ago back when the swine flu was a big thing. They were making anyone coming into the ER with a cough or sore throat. I cried too...

[@Trillidotia]

Holy cow! I never take anything without knowing exactly what it is. I had a less than happy experience in the American Red Cross Hospital in Tokyo; I had a post eye involved shingles complication (iritis, frightening!) couldn't see, had to get back to US immediately. So, so sick, but had to sit on hard backless bench waiting for Dr, crying... bad to get sick in Japan.

[@catsadventures3985]

When I'm sick I can barely move from room to room without feeling dizzy, I don't know how you managed a whole bike ride xD Oh and for a suggestion, I'm planning on going rock climbing (like the indoor gym kind, not on cliffs and stuff, that's too scary x) ) this April. Have you been climbing at any of the gyms in Tokyo? I don't think I've ever seen a video on rock climbing in Tokyo/anywhere in Japan so it'd be cool to see what it's like ^_^

[@jakubmakalowski6428]

At least plenty of good stomach and allergy medicine over the counter, from my experience. I've never really been big on medication, even when I probably should use it, so hasn't been a big issue. My only experience in a hospital is taking a visitor for some inflammation from bug bites. Was really surprised how cheap it was without insurance.

[@epithymbria]

In Norway they would look at you funny if you entered an emergency room with a cold or the flu (barring very severe cases with high fever). That said our health care is almost entirely free. I don't want to be negative, but if u can ride a bike, you would be better off staying home under a blanket. (We also try to restrict the use of antibiotics)

[@yuri88990]

There is an over the counter sleeping pills sold in pharmacies in Japan. It's called ドリエル (Dorieru). You could just ask the pharmacist for the medication and they will give it to you right away, without the need for any doctor prescription. Just sharing the info for anyone currently living or travelling in Japan ;)

[@amadeus999]

You're hilarious. and I love your eyes.

[@wwaxwork]

I know this is an older video, but if it makes you feel any better, when I moved to the US from Australia I was sick with various flu's etc pretty much once every couple of months for the first few years, then we moved to a new area and I was sick on & off for another 18 months. I had flu shots & everything. I swear even in these days of so much international travel there are so many localised bugs for your system to get used to.

[@NB_703]

I love that eye makeup!!!

[@Ibbygirl19]

oregano oil (the essential oil of the oregano plant) is amazing stuff! I take it at the first sign of cold and it usually knocks it right out. If it's a bad cold, I may still get it, but it will be less severe. It can also cure strep throat. I take it all the time whenever I get sick and I almost never have to go to a doctor. Best part is it's natural and has no side effects. :) Love that stuff. :)

[@douglasthompson9070]

Wow, idk but I like the self medicate way with OTC. In Texas they even have those urgent care centers that treat you like a king if you're sick but it's cash only. Of course all emergency rooms are open, will take your insurance card and then bill you afterward. I had to go just recently and it was non-stressful. Only filled out a half sheet form and signed a bunch of stuff after they released me. That was 3 o'clock in the morning on a Thursday night. Next time you're in Texas stock up on OTC and take it back with you. Bing!

[@JennaNoManga]

Do you know Aeon? Well go to the drugstore part . They have drugstores selling sleeping pills, fever medecine. But the pharmacy is for prescription medecine only, they do not have a lot of other things . In France health care is free I find Japan to be very expensive when you have a baby especially.

[@kaylabug555]

A lot of the over the counter medications you can get in America only treat the symptoms not the actual infection if there is one.

[@JessieBanana]

Going to the hospital, just for being sick as a healhty adult seems like something I would have a hard time getting used to. It's not like I regularly take medication when I'm sick anyway.

[@LaceyLakers]

Wow Japan is a lot cheaper than Australia. We have three types of doctors (four if you count surgeons). The one you see first is GPs, they do most things, they have practices. If it is something more serious GPs can refer you to a specialist (super expensive $150-$300 usually). Hospitals are for emergencies only unless you are referred to a specialist who works out of a hospital. Then you go to their office in the hospital building not general admissions. What you pay for a general doctors visit in Aus determined by the doctors practice. Some docs will bulk-bill (free) but thats pretty rare. Usually they just place a cap on how much the patient pays, and then also have a standard fee for Adults (children and seniors are cheaper). My visits cost $70 and the cap is $50, but you still have to play the $70 and once it goes through the system medicare will send the difference to your bank account. Oh and ambulances are also expensive, and have a separate private insurance. The Tv show Offspring gives a good idea of what it's like.

[@boramuffin12]

Really. Thank you. This video really help me a lot.

[@mig31m6]

I hope you're feeling better!

[@ffionevans9005]

The UK seems amazing now 😂 -free health care and ambulances and over the counter perscriptions

[@MaryBear]

i had no idea about the rotating hospital hours/early closing times. good to know!

[@hayleya3396]

Watching this after I came home from the hospital (I live in Okinawa). Pretty similar situation but they were able to diagnose my strep throat much faster. It may just be my specific clinic but I've always felt that Japanese doctors are nicer and more accommodating (they really try to get me my care even though my japanese can b a bit lacking) also with Japanese hospitals they can get everything done right there (get and X-ray for example) where as in the us I had to go to the doctors many times to different specialty ones to get something done if it wasn't just the common cold or flu. But yeah there are cons and pros- the lack of over the counter meds can be frustrating

[@TheElectronicDoctor]

I flew from my home country Canada to England and about half way there I started a terrible cold. By the time I landed I was deaf, my nose was plugged and completely jet lagged (I cant sleep on planes so 8hrs awake). Was sick for a whole week to but at least the bed was nice XD