No doubt Autumn’s sneaking up on us now, and while most folk will be concentrating on which hikes to get in before the real cold hits (or what food to stock up on for the winter), it should also beg the question of whether or not to book yourself in for a jab in the arm with Japan’s version of the flu-vaccine.

Most towns offer this service for all citizens, with one poke with the needle setting you back about 2,500yen. Benefits? You won’t catch that strain of the Japanese death flu, your coworkers will likely appreciate your efforts to maintain your health (and thus maintain your ability to work), and you can sport an impressive bruise for a couple of days afterwards. Cons? You get stuck with a needle, it doesn’t cover all flu-strains (of course), some people actually get sick BECAUSE they get the shot, and if you haven’t experienced this particular brand of Japanese Death Flu how will you ever be able to truly appreciate the joy of not flu-infected life?

I say this because the flu that tends to circulate here is NASTY. Properly awful, with soaring high fevers, debilitating muscle soreness and lethargy, the feeling of your head being about to explode from pounding, pounding pain while your body simultaneously screams that it is on both hot and cold fire. I wish I were exaggerating. I’d been sick in Australia, but I was sure that I was probably going to die when I caught the flu here. If I’d been able to move my hand I would’ve written a farewell to my landlady and an apology for expiring in her apartment. But I literally couldn’t move. Or eat. For three days. And this experience is shared not just by we Aussies crawling out of isolation to the ‘real’ world, but by Canadians, Americans, and all other ‘ans alike. Nasty. I’m getting jabbed this year, as I did the year before.

BUT, the choice is certainly yours. If you opt not to get the shot please take all other precautions to avoid the horror – keep yourself warm. SPEND the money necessary to get a good-quality down jacket and a nice warm blanket. If you need extra heaters – get them. If you need to start putting your heater on earlier in the morning or turning it to a higher setting when you’re at home at night (not asleep, no heaters when you sleep – please!), do it. And invest in woolen socks. They’re cute, and they rock at keeping you warm. Some folk sleep in their beanie/woolen hat as an added measure for warmth and happiness. And that, folks, is the key. Warmth = Happiness. I promise.
Take care,

Chelle