Infectious Diseases in Iksan

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 Iksan?

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 Iksan 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 Iksan

About Iksan

Iksan is a city in the western part of South Korea. It was formed in 1995 from the merger of the city of Iri with Iksan County. The city is often referred to as “The City of Jewelry” as it is the center of jewelry manufacturing in the country. In addition, it is also known as the market center of agricultural products, as well as a major railway junction in North Jeolla Province. Today, the city is slowly becoming a medical tourism hotspot for foreign patients who want to obtain medical treatments in South Korea. Combining modern medical technology and traditional Korean medicine, hospitals and clinics in the city are frequented by patients from all around the world.  

Popular Parts of Iksan

Iksan was once the capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom, which is why the city has numerous ancient temples. Tourists are welcome to explore and admire these temples, where they can learn more about the city’s fascinating history. Those who are intrigued by the city’s history can visit the Mireuksaji Museum, which displays and preserves the relics of the ancient temples from the Baekje Kingdom. As the center of jewelry manufacturing in South Korea, the city also has a jewelry museum called the Iksan Jewelry Museum. This museum was built to educate visitors about jewelry and to provide a cultural space related to Baekje relics. Other popular attractions include the Central Park (Chungang Cheuk Gongwon), Seodong Park, and Gemma Sculpture Park. In Central Park, visitors are free to sit on the ground and watch the Music Fountain, which is really beautiful especially at night. 

Transport in Iksan

International medical tourists who want to visit Iksan usually arrive at Incheon International Airport or Cheongju International Airport. From both of these airports, they can ride the bus or the train to reach Iksan. The best ways to get around the city is by bus or the subway, but taxis are available and are reasonably priced.

Visas in Iksan

South Korea allows holders of passports issued by 112 countries, such as all EU countries, the US, Canada, and Russia, to visit and stay in the country for 30, 60, or 180 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry need to apply and obtain a visa before their travel to Iksan.

Weather in Iksan

Iksan experiences four seasons. The winter, from November to early March, is typically cold and long. The temperatures during this season can plummet as low as -20°C. Spring sets in March and the temperatures begin to warm up. However, rainfall also becomes more frequent during this season. Summer begins in June and ends in August. The weather can be hot, rainy and muggy. September to November is the autumn, which brings nearly perfect weather. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  The official currency is South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD is approx. 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  It’s easy to find ATMs and credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping is not expected, except for porters and tour guides. In some restaurants, tipping may be considered rude.
3. Local Language:  Korean is the official language and Hangul is the formal script. Many people do speak and understand English at a lower level.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Most people in the city are not religious or follow indigenous religions. Other religions, particularly Buddhism and Christianity, are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha are some of the more celebrated holidays in Iksan.