Sheryl

OK, I went to the actual source. https://pr.moph.go.th//assets/uploads/news/2568/d62f018add623ebcf36966b7ec9f883a.pdf 8,862 is a projected estimate for new infections for 2025. Probably based on a modeling exercise. The MOPH announcement says nothing about a "surge" or increase, and from the numbers none is projected. As mentioned in prior post, the actual figure for 2023 was 9,300. I don't know what 2024 was as that information is still be compiled/verified but it is clear that cases are not on the increase, though they are also not decreasing as fast as would be desired. So any social media reports of a "sharp increase"are fake news. This is exactly why there is a Healht Forum specific rule against reporting news articles etc...they are so very often (indeed, most often in the case of social media) inaccurate. "4. Posting/pinning of news articles: The forum is for members to seek advice on health/beauty related matters. it is not the place for general dissemination of news, research findings etc. Members are not to post news articles/research findings unless in the context of a discussion specific to an ASEAN NOW member's health/beauty related problem." https://aseannow.com/topic/1341934-rules-specific-to-the-health-forum/ Thread closed.

Social media is not an accurate source of epidemioligical information. And mass media is not much better. There are mass media reports quoting the MoPH as saying something about 8,862 new HIV infectiond in 2025 but it is totally unclear if this reflects partial year dsta (and if so, for how many months) or is a projection of what the total is likely to be by the end of the year --- or is actually data for 2024 being reported now in 2025. All very different things. This information takes time to vollect and verify, and typically reported annually around thr middle of the year for the prior year. The confirmed figure for full year 2023 was 9,300. If this 8 862 figure is actuslly for 2024 , then there has been no increase. And litlle or no increase if it is a ptojection for 2025. if it is actually for an unknown number of months in 2025, then it is a large increase. Note that the number of new infections and prevalence/number of infected people are quite different from number of new infections. Syphilis infections have been rising worldwide for some years now.

The problem is that some of the children for whom it is necessary cannot be identified in advance. While rare, severe disease can and does occur in some children with no known risk factors. It is only in retrospect that one would know that vaccination was in fact "necessary" for these specific individual children. Their numbers are small enough on a population level that most country public health programs consider the expense of routine vaccination unjustified. Resources are finite and need to be directed where they will do the most good for the most people. That does not change the fact that failng to vaccinate will lead to serious illness in a small minority of otherwise healthy children, and parents who can afford to pay for the vaccine may well choose not to take that risk. I would not call such vaccination "unnecessary". It is necessary if one wants to eliminate a small but serioous risk (small in likelihood, serious in consequence).

A givernment facility like this is not where I would ask about this. A pediatrician at a private "international" hospital that carries thd JN.1 vacine would be best bet (but still no guarantee).

A flaming post has been removed.

I strongly recommend you go to the recommended doctor. If yoy have chronic conditions of relevance to this issue (unlikely but possible), either supply that history verbally or bring copy of your medical records with you. Spine specialist really does not need (and will not pay much attention to) your full medical history if no prior spinal procedures/confitikns and surgery not being contemplated. Meds currently taken, allergies, and any chronic ongoing conditions is enough.

I know you prefer Bumrungrad but the best spine doctor in Thailand is at BNH https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/ If an MRI is needed, can save money by doing it at www.mrithailand.com If you get the all clear to try exercises/PT, many people recommend https://www.bpcphysio.com/ If there is no radiation of pain down the leg and no numbness or tinhling in the legs, you could try physio first (or even home exervises/stretched, many on youtube) before MRI/doctor but stop at once anything that produces pain If there is radiation of pain down the leg or leg numbness/tingling, see doctor first

Moved to Insurance Forum. What policy fo you have now, and is it including outpatient? As that is an extraordinarily high premium otherwise. I am paying about that amount at age 72! (Hodpitalization only 500 USD deductible).

Yes, I saw this and mentioned it on the other thread currently running. Apparently Jomtien Hospital also has so good chance so do some other private hospitals. No pediatric doses but if doctor is willing, they can do a fractional dose from adult vial if so inclined.

Moved to appropriate forum. You can enter visa exemot and will get 60 day stay (as of now, could change in future).. Within 3 days if departure you need to fill out online arrival card https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home

just checked - Mahodol Travel clinic has it, too! 1,762 baht (there will be add on charge for deoctor etc so call it 2K) https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/cost.html And they are also offering RSV for seniors, which is pretty new. but costly at 7,211

That is amazing if true, as it is the newest vaccine. First I have heard of it being available anywhere in Thailand. If you get it, check that the vial says"Comirnaty JN.1"

@Lorry any info on current Paxlovid availabiliyy?

Yes, weight loss will do a lot. I take it the results were of a follow up test after using the machine. What do you mean by results being "spot on". Were they improved over baseline?

Please see this thread re vaccine availability. https://aseannow.com/topic/1362237-covid-vaccines-for-children-where/ Note that the newest vaccine is not available anywhere in Thailand, and in many places the available vaccines are several generations (vaccine generations) old. BPH has vaccine but I do not know which version. The current strain is unusually infectious (more so than the already very infectious earlier strains) but also unusually mild in most cases. If you test positive nothing other than symptomatic treatment and isolating at home is needed unless you have specific risk factors. If you do have the latter, Paxlovid might be advised but I have no current info on its availability. Other antivirals more readily available don't do much to be frank.