Covid 19 resurgence in Thailand - be careful

[Jun]

Any recommendations on the best approach:...should I go to a clinic or self-test, what type of tester to purchase if I go that route

When I was infected, I self tested using lateral flow test kits. As I had a box of free NHS test kits that were about to expire, I tested every single day. The bar that shows the infection got progressively lighter with time (photo).

These now cost about £5 for five kits in the UK @ retailers, so estimate about 200 baht for 5 in Thailand ? The 7-Elevens definitely have them.

I also very carefully researched how long you remain infectious on the internet, as I was keen to visit a terminally ill relative.

As I understand it, you're normally in good health.
So if you feel like you're recovering and the lateral flow test kits show you're recovering, the last thing I would do is go to a hospital. You probably wouldn't go to hospital for flu.

It's interesting to compare perspectives of contributors here.
Some love a treatment & have less interest in prevention (e.g. vaccines). Others take the opposite approach.
My idea of being careful (as advised by thread title) is to periodically consider if I should get a vaccine, by comparing advice from several sources. As I'm in my 50s and had covid about 18 months ago, I have not had a recent booster. If I were significantly older I'd be getting 1~2 per year AND trying to get the best available vaccine.

I'm not saying that's the right answer, but it's interesting to compare approaches.

[Dodger]

The most reliable way is to let the hospital do it. They may want to prescribe more medication. Even though it might be the least convenient and most expensive way to do it, if it were me that is what I would do. After all, as you found out the hard way, Covid is nothing to fool around or take chances with. Get it done and get it done right.

Good advice.

Thanks!

[Dodger]

When I was infected, I self tested using lateral flow test kits. As I had a box of free NHS test kits that were about to expire, I tested every single day. The bar that shows the infection got progressively lighter with time (photo).

Regardless if I go somewhere to have the test performed or not I like the sound of the NHS kit primarily because it would be good to track the recovery improvements during this process as you noted.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Much appreciated!

[Gaybutton]

Regardless if I go somewhere to have the test performed or not I like the sound of the NHS kit primarily because it would be good to track the recovery improvements during this process as you noted.

Maybe you shouldn't pick one over the other. Maybe you should do both.

[Dodger]

Maybe you shouldn't pick one over the other. Maybe you should do both.

I'm leaning towards doing exactly that.

Thanks again.

[Jun]

For most of us, after the benefit of vaccines, covid is just like flu. We don't normally go anywhere near a hospital for that & where I live, it's the same for covid.
However, if you decide to go, I'm sure they will gladly take your money.

When I had covid, I just skipped the 20 mile bike rides until fully recovered & took a few vitamin tablets.
Obviously, if your underlying health condition were not so good, perhaps a little more care would be in order.

[Gaybutton]

However, if you decide to go, I'm sure they will gladly take your money.

And I'll gladly spend it. I'm going to protect myself as best as I can. Even if it's no worse than the flu, I don't want the flu either. And people do die from the flu.

If I find myself on my deathbed having been diagnosed with Covid, but didn't get the injection, I'm not going to feel very smart knowing for 2000 baht I might have avoided it.

[Jun]

If I find myself on my deathbed having been diagnosed with Covid, but didn't get the injection, I'm not going to feel very smart knowing for 2000 baht I might have avoided it.

If I understand correctly, Dodger is discussing testing to confirm covid is out of his system. If one feels better and has a negative lateral flow test, that would satisfy most people.
Some authorities also recommend waiting 3 months after infection for the next vaccine.

You're preaching to the converted when telling me about the benefits of vaccines.
If the UK or other European countries were recommending boosters for my age group, I'd be getting them.

Also, I'd be very interested to know exactly what variant of the vaccine was provided to you.

[Montree]

In the UK I've just had a booster which was Spikevax (previously called Moderna). I've asked Nom what he'd had in Thailand but he's no idea and I doubt he was aware that there were different Vaccines/boosters. I'll be back in Pattaya shortly so I hope he's recovered by then and can travel from Bangkok to join me.

[Gaybutton]

If one feels better and has a negative lateral flow test, that would satisfy most people.

I'm not most people. I'll get my advice and determine whether I'm clear from a doctor. You want to do that some other way, fine with me.