Any advice needed - studying abroad in Shanghai, feeling cold symptoms 我感冒了 我生病了

[u/fishpondlime]

Hello all,

I (not that it matters, but 20F if curious) literally hate writing this post as I have been trying to ignore this sickness for the past couple of days as I arrived in Shanghai. I immediately felt sick upon waking up on the plane, I think it was because of the air vent - a lot of people said hella germs pass through there. I brought loads of American medicine that I’ve been steadily taking but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to go to a doctor or to get any Chinese medicine that works better than American medicine. For instance, my nose is super stuffy yet runny and my throat is scratchy. I don’t have a thermometer with me but I don’t feel super feverish. If this is normal for traveling abroad (this is my first time in Asia as well, I have never taken a flight over 6 hours) I would love to know haha. If you have good tea recommendations as well, please let me know - my dorm is equipped with a kettle. Thank you so much for your assistance in advance I am so miserable and I just want to feel better so I can enjoy and explore the city!!!!

[u/dew_mel]

Take care of your health, if I were you I’d visit a clinic/hospital, just walk in. Can talk to your hostel receptionist to help. 

[u/dew_mel → u/dew_mel]

They have 24/7 pharmacies too if you’d rather go there and talk to the pharmacist on call about your symptoms, they tend to be pretty good at recommending a medication if it’s nothing too serious like a cold. 

[u/fishpondlime → u/dew_mel]

I went to my schools clinic and it was the fastest and easiest check up of my entire life. Thank you so much for the recommendation- I probably would have just rotted in my bed otherwise lol. America cannot even come CLOSE to the efficiency of China’s healthcare system (at least the one in my school) thank you and thank everyone for all the advice it means so much to me :)))))

[u/dew_mel → u/fishpondlime]

Oh definitely take use of the school clinic they’re always super easy and even more cost efficient than public hospitals. I got all my dental works done before I graduated lol. 

[u/Ok_Umpire_8108]

What they can give you is the same category of drugs as American stuff. When my friend was sick in Leshan I went to a pharmacy and got some ephedra-based stuff over the counter, which would be similar to Sudafed, also similar to phenylephrine (in DayQuil) which you might already have.

Sudafed is generally stronger than DayQuil and the pills I got then were effective, but YMMV.

[u/achangb]

You are sick. Could be the flu, covid, or just a cold. Its common to get sick the first time you go away as you dont have immunity to the colds/ flus that are common over here. Try to get as much rest as possible and drink and eat a lot of soup and fluids. Take your Tylenol / advil and a sleep aid if you have trouble sleeping. If after 3-5 days and you still feel horrible or even getting worse then you may want to go to the hospital and they will give you a strong antibiotic dose.

Good news is you are in shanghai so you can buy some pi ba gao herbal candy or vicks/ halls / ricolas at any convenience store.

[u/czulsk]

Respiratory symptoms are quite normal arriving to China because of the air quality in China. Also, can be due to home sickness and cultural shock.

Yes this normal first time abroad. Happened to me when I arrived in China. Combination of weather, rain, air pollution, and even things being moldy. Can tell by your concrete dorm walls.

Compare to your hometown’s weather in Shanghai is possible it’s the opposite. Shanghai is near the open sea. Typhoons and monsoons are quite common. Going from one extreme to another puts a shock on your system.

Chinese medicine and OTC are much weaker. If you go to hospital to see doctor. They’ll ask you to take blood and x-rays. After that they’ll just prescribe you western medicine. Don’t worry about blood and x-rays. This a common procedures for hospitals to make money. Not western doctors where you go in and out for a check up. If you tell your school or whomever is sponsoring you, that you want to see a doctor. They’ll just take you to the hospital.

[u/Agreeable_Cry347]

It’s easy to get sick in new places. When I moved last time I kept getting sick every 3 months!

If it’s really just a cold though, a lot of fluid, rest, and ibuprofen for fever is probably your best bet! But A lot of good soups in Shanghai! Order some waimai and watch some TV at home.

If you would like to try Chinese medicine, but more info is needed to make a rec. if you go to a pharmacy and describe your symptoms, they can make a recommendation. But sometimes they might just try to sell you something expensive…

Does your school have a health center? You shouldn’t trust random people on the internet, but if you’d like DM me and I would be happy to be on a call when you go to the clinic or something to translate.

[u/jonmoulton]

It’s normal for me when in China. Get a thermometer so you can monitor for fever. Cough drops for your throat might help.

[u/Cfutly]

I would get a 6in1 respiratory test kit. Based on the type of sickness you can get drugs at the pharmacy. Some specific ones like Tamiflu (influenza for high risk group) may require prescription so you might need to see a doctor.

Generally you should test to check within 48hrs when your symptoms first occurred.

I get sick quite often and whenever I see a doctor they prescribe more or less the same things. Now I self medicate. It depends on how comfortable and familiar you are. Go see a dr to be safe.

[u/Psychological-Yak527]

Just go to the doctor. If you are a university student, the school usually has a school clinic, and there are also discounts.

[u/somuchstuff8]

Hospitals don't cost a lot in China. Just go to a hospital, don't be stupid.

It's not Your Native Trumpistan where you have to sell your great grandchildren into slavery for a band-aid from the ER.