Infectious Diseases in Goyang

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some infectious diseases are transmitted by insects or other animals. Infectious diseases can also spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food or exposure to organisms in the environment.

The branch of medicine that focuses on infectious diseases is called infectiology, which is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are called infectious diseases (ID) specialists. While most common infections can be treated by general internists and other specialists, ID specialists are frequently called upon to help diagnose and assist in treating or managing unusual, difficult, or complicated infections. Since many infectious diseases are related to other medical conditions, ID specialists work with doctors in many specialty areas, such as doctors trained in dermatology, immunology, or cardiovascular medicine. 

Some of the most common infectious diseases that ID specialists diagnose, treat, and manage include:

• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections
• Blastomycosis
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral hepatitis
• Rubella, Measles, and Mumps
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Dengue
• Ebola
• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatic fever
• Travel medicine
• Tick-borne infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Post-operative infections.

There are numerous procedures that ID specialists and other specialists use to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, throat swabs, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
• Imaging scans, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
• Biopsies.
• Antibiotic therapies
• Immunizations
• Infection control
• Fecal microbiota (stool) transplant
• Antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
• Antifungal therapy
• Anti-parasitic therapy.

How Long Should I Stay in Goyang?

Your length of stay depends on the severity of your infection and which organ is affected by the infection. Some types of infectious diseases may require hospitalization, while others do not. It is generally advisable that you plan to stay in Goyang for at least 7 to 14 days. Even if you do not need hospitalization, some types of treatment may require several appointments. In addition, you may also need to attend follow-up checkups.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time after infectious disease can vary, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For some infectious diseases, the healing process can take time and it can take a few months until you can resume your normal activities. Some other types of infectious diseases, however, only need around 2 weeks or even less of recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and resume your normal activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instruction. It is important to follow every instruction closely. They may also tell you prevention measures to decrease the risk of infection from occurring in the future. These include washing your hands frequently, to get vaccinated, practice safe sex, travel wisely, stay home when ill, prepare food safely, and avoid sharing personal items. 

What's the Success Rate?

Active research in infectious diseases has resulted in new discoveries that help doctors to refine the treatment and management approach to infectious diseases. The success rate of infectious disease treatment has increased significantly in the past several decades. Some types of treatments even have 90% success rates.   

Are there Alternatives?

There are a number of products that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of some infections, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginseng, and zinc. However, it is best that you see your general physician, a specialist, or an ID specialist to treat your infection instead of taking alternative medicine.  

Infectious Diseases in and around Goyang

About Goyang

Goyang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, located in the north of South Korea. The city is a part of the Seoul Capital Area, which makes it one of Seoul’s satellite cities. It is one of the largest cities in the Seoul Capital Area and is one of the most popular with medical tourists who seek high-quality healthcare in South Korea. The hospitals and clinics in this city provide total medical care performed by expert medical teams who use the highest level equipment and cutting-edge technologies. There is a wide range of medical procedures offered in this city. From specialized cancer diagnosis and treatment, dental treatments, specialized spine treatments, oriental medicine, skincare, and plastic surgery are all available. 

Popular Parts of Goyang

Goyang offers numerous things for visitors to see and do. Most tourists usually flock to Lake Park, which is the largest manmade lake in the East and it has a park around it where people can take walks and enjoy the air. In the corner of the park is the famous Musical Fountain, which beams beautiful lights and pumps water with the music, and visitors are free to enjoy the wonderful scenery and music. Those who love Korean food and want to learn more about Kimchi should go to Kimchi School. Goyang Oulim Nuri Arts Center is the best place to go to experience the city’s culture. It has a playhouse, theater, and art gallery. It also has various sports facilities. Other popular attractions in the city are Haengju Sanseong, Baedagol Theme Park, KINTEX, and Lafesta. 

Transport in Goyang

International visitors usually arrive at Incheon International Airport, then continue by bus or train in order to visit Goyang. Incheon International Airport is the main airport in South Korea that serves international and domestic flights. Inside the city, the best way to get around is by metro. There are several subway lines in the city and the trains are comfortable and affordable. Taxis are available and are reasonably priced. 

Visas in Goyang

Holders of passports issued by 112 countries, including the EU, Canada, the US, and Russia, are allowed to visit and stay in Goyang for 30, 60 or 180 days. Nationals of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry should apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival.

Weather in Goyang

Like the rest of South Korea, Goyang experiences four seasons. The winter starts from November to March and the temperatures can be very cold. During cold spells, the temperature can drop to -20°C. Spring brings warmer temperatures, but rainfall becomes more frequent. Summer, from June to August, can be hot and rainy, but the weather is generally nice. From September to late November is autumn, which has pleasant weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW) is the official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can easily be found around the city and credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Tipping is normally not expected and can be considered rude in some restaurants. However, you can tip guides and porters.
3. Local Language: The official language is Korean and Hangul is the formal script. Many people will speak a little English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population is not religious or follows indigenous religions. Buddhism and Christianity are two of the most widely practiced religions.
5. Public Holidays: Goyang celebrates several public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha.