Lethal Brain Infections

This is officially the first story of my adventure to Japan that I laughed about.

I went to go get my pre-flight shots today.  Now mind you, I haven't been to the doctors in YEARS.  I honestly think the last time I went to a doctors, was before I started teaching music at Olentangy Liberty High School (about 6 years ago).

Now my original thought about this was I was going to have to get a few shots of strange things before I leave.  After thinking about it a little more, I realized, not going to the doctors in over 6 years probably meant I have a whole heap of shots that I would be due for. I imagined walking into an office to be met by a disappointed doctor, who after scolding me for neglecting to visit for the better half of a decade, would proceed to carry in, what in my mind looked like, a cookie sheet sized tray of shots that she was going to stick into every section of my body.  Lucky for me, this was far from what really happened.

The appointment was at 8:00 am so I should have left the house around 7:30, but alas, I lost my keys.  After borrowing the spare key from my brother, I left about 20 minutes until I had to arrive.  The traffic was TERRIBLE.  3 lanes of traffic all had to merge into one lane for about 1/4 of a mile, then open back up into 3 lanes.  So I was running late.  This was annoying because I felt as if I was running late to something I really didn't want to go do.  In my mind, I was still expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 shots that I would need. And being in a hurry to get a pile of needles stuck in your arms is never fun.

I arrived about 10 minutes late for my appointment.  

I walked into an office room and as expected, there were 3 packs of 5 needles sitting on the desk of a woman who was putting on blue gloves.

We exchanged formalities, and she took out a packet that was full of all the shots that I should get before I go.  I tried to breath slowly as she started asking me if I had ever gotten "this-or-that". This went on for a few minutes.

To my amazement, there was only 1 shot that was recommended, but not required.  I was relieved.  I surly didn't want to get any shots that day if I could avoid it, but I felt curious and asked her about the shot that was recommended. 

This is where the story gets good:

She looked at me and said, "Well, this shot is not a big deal unless you plan on spending a lot of time around farms in Japan"

I instantly became interested.  My house in Japan is directly across from a farm, and I have to walk about 12 minutes one way everyday to my school through farming communities. Also, to get to any store, I need to walk alone miles of farms.  I am even hoping to be able to shop at some of the farms that are directly around my house.  To say the least, I will have more than "some" exposure to farms in Japan.

Not being too worried, I asked "What is the shot for?"

She said it was for "Japanese Encephalitis"

Sounded serious to me.  I pressed further for information.

"What happens to people that catch this disease?" I asked? "How can it be avoided?"

She pulled out a sheet of paper that gave details about this disease:  

 JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS

-transmitted by misquotes usually inhabiting rural Japan. 

-Symptoms include, Head-ache, fever, vomiting, hallucination, diarrhea, muscle loss, and death.

DEATH!?!?! 

At this point I thought "How serious is this really???  I mean, people die from phenomena, but the rate is pretty low considering how many people get it."  I read on....

-1 in 4 people who contract this disease die. 2 of the 3 survivors suffer from irreversible brain damage caused by a lethal brain infection

That's right... "Lethal Brain Infection" was literally written on the paper.  There was a 25% chance I DIE, and and 50% chance that I have IRREVERSIBLE BRAIN DAMAGE.... 75% horrible 25% perfectly ok???

I asked her if I could get it.  

She said I didn't have time... 

Apparently, this is a series of 2 shots that are taken 8 days apart.  Today marks my last 7 days in America.  

She said not to worry, because it is only a recommended shot.  She said I should be more worried if it was a required shot.

So there you have it folks...

I am going to Japan with the possibility of death or permanent brain damage caused by lethal brain infections.

I am already talking to my boss in Japan to set up the earliest possible time to go to a hospital and get this shot.  Until then the doctor told me to just wear bug spray...  

How comforting it is to put my life, or brain for that matter, into the hands of  "OFF!® With DEET", or "OFF! Deep Woods® Insect Repellent "  

If this is just the beginning of my adventure, I believe I am in for a very fun ride. 

Dan

p.s. -- This blog is actually really fun to write in.  I hope everyone is enjoying it.  I will try and keep my posts lighthearted.  I know I will miss people, but the more people laugh with me, the more I feel I will adapt quickly to change.

Until next time...