On MC

Ever since we started working, we found ourselves quite adverse to visiting the clinic whenever we weren't well, especially when we know we're just coming down with the common flu. It isn't really that kind of Pavlovian dislike where we end up associating 'clinic = sick' like how some people do 'porridge = sick'. In fact, quite the dur right, after all one'd only visit the clinic when they are sick.

It's more that we find it rather...unnecessary. See, you'd go in, get checked, come out with a combination of the following:

• cough mixture
• cough tablets
• antihistamines (nondrowsy and/or drowsy)
• gargle
• lozenges
• painkillers
• antibiotics
• panadol
• medical certificate of leave

Please, don't take that as an exhaustive list. Who knows your particular visit might also lead to your doc suddenly telling you that you've high blood pressure etc.

So, given that how we could get most meds for the common cold and flu without the need to see a doctor (save for a reconfirmation if it's a bacterial infection?) we find it vexing to fork out near RM50 for a clinic consultation when we can shop around for the necessary medication for about half that price. Not to forget, our kitchen drawers already contain a good stock of flu meds.

Of course, this dislike was also fueled by the fact that we (used to) worked part time before, and thus did not qualify for MC and claims. Now, however, we aren't working part time anymore.

Which brings us to today.

Woke up early this morning to a raw, itching and sore throat, stuffy nose, clammy skin and aching quite everywhere, so we crawled out only to bring the tissue box and rubbish bin close to the bed. Texted to say we werent' coming in for work, and dozed off again. Had some 13 hours of sleep altogether.

By the time we got up in the afternoon, we'd seem to have had a near total recovery. Throat ok, nose ok, etc. While generally that's a good thing, it's a bit of an embarassment when we've been told to go see a doctor. Our trip to the doc basically summed up to this:

Janvier: Hi.
Doctor: And how are you feeling?
Janvier: See, we weren't feeling well this morning...
Doctor: Okay.
Janvier: But now we're all better. Can we just get the MC because we missed work?
Doctor: Well you can, but take this meds while you're at it.

Right. We hope there's not going to be a replay of this tomorrow.