PCR or ATK ?

 

I would recommend ATK unless your worried and would welcome a potential mandatory stay at a hospital.

 

I tested positive on arrival in Bangkok, and was wisked off to a hospital - incredibly boaring, <deleted>ty internet and Dr maintained there is no way to be released early ( which turned out to be a big fat lie ). 

 

It get complicated quick - I you have a family, I if your Mrs gets it a few days later - off she goes too, and might have to take the kids to a hospital room if no one to take care. and if they catch it from each other in a delayed manner - thats maybe 20 days.... 20 days dont sound like a lot, but it feels forever when your in that bare walled room. 

 

Most commonsense approach if low to mild symptoms, do ATK and stay at home - you dont want the stress the officialdom bearing down on you.

 

Had a sniffly nose for 2 or 3 days - that was it ! ( similar to acquaintances and family members overseas ). Really got me thinking about maybe the best approach is to let it run wild rather than tearing up the economy. Dont give a <deleted> about the intentionally unvaccinated, just wondering how to keep the at risk group safe ( cant get vaccinated, or vaccinated and risk group ). I guess its easy for me to say now as I know I can handle it, which I did not know prior to getting it. Had far far worse flu's than this 

 

Credit to our care officer from the govt, did his best to steer us through the process, and pushed to Dr to release me early. 

 

Out of curiosity - after how many days did you get released and under what conditions? (i.e. to home or to a "hospitel")? Did you have to test negative before they released you?

I bought 2 X RATs which I keep at home just in case I or tirak come down with Omi. We're both fully vaxed and both very healthy. We've already discussed it together and if we catch Omi we're not telling a soul and will just self isolate until it passes (3-5 days seems the average) We have plenty of food, water, meds at home. We have separate rooms if only one of us gets it, but that would seem unlikely as we're together all the time. Of course if one of us took a bad turn and needed medical care then we'll handle that is it arises, but all the people I know who have caught Omi were fighting fit a week later. 

 

Interesting that prior to the Omi variant I did not know one person anywhere in the world who had contracted covid-19. Now all of a sudden I have dozens of close friends in Thailand, UK, Australia who have caught the virus, people of varying ages and varying degrees of health and fitness, and they all report that they had mild cold/flu like symptoms that lasted for 3 days.

Be aware that for vaccinated people, ATK tests may show positive only on third day after symptoms. That's what happened to me and I read a bit about it, it seems to be common for vaccinated people who react even to a small quantity of virus, while ATK tests need a certain quantity of virus to be present in the body to be effective.

18 minutes ago, candide said:

Be aware that for vaccinated people, ATK tests may show positive only on third day after symptoms. That's what happened to me and I read a bit about it, it seems to be common for vaccinated people who react even to a small quantity of virus, while ATK tests need a certain quantity of virus to be present in the body to be effective.

The latest info is suggesting that saliva-based ATK tests are doing a better job of promptly detecting Omicron than the nasal ones, which appear to be the more common variety here.

 

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/rapid-nose-swab-tests-covid-may-not-detect-omicron-quickly-enough-expert-says-2022-01-07/

 

"Jan 7 (Reuters) - Swabbing the nose with a rapid antigen test will not reliably detect the Omicron variant in the first few days of an infection, so manufacturers should seek U.S. approval to allow users to safely collect samples from the throat as well, according to an infectious diseases expert.

 

People can already transmit Omicron to others when it has infected their throat and saliva but before the virus reaches their nose, so swabbing the nostrils too early in the course of infection will not pick it up, Dr. Michael Mina, formerly of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and now chief science officer at eMed, said during a news conference on Thursday.

 

A study released on Wednesday on medRxiv ahead of peer review looked at 29 Omicron-infected workers in high-risk professions who had PCR and antigen tests done simultaneously on multiple days. The PCR tests of saliva detected the virus on average three days before the rapid nose-swab samples became positive."

I had the extra long cotton bud shoved up my nose & again to the back of my throat just prior to a dental procedure, I vowed then ' Never Again ' now at home we do a weekly saliva test, so much more civilised.

 

A tad expensive, some are Baht 150, and the mrs found some at Baht 110, we will do another test on Tuesday 11/01/22.

 

I will just add that other than to do necessary shopping we don't go out, & the mrs does most of that, when she gets home she then strips off & into the shower and the clothes are straight into the washing machine. ????????????

This was issued by the PR department of the Thai Government yesterday; it's on their website too. I have spoken to Bangkok Hospital. If you have mild or no symptoms following a positive PCR test, you can isolate at home. This too is on their website. I was concerned about a mandatory 10 day hospital stay if I was not severely ill, but it seems the policy, first touted by the Medical Services Department early last week, is now being implemented. The number of beds in hospitals, hospitels etc could not cope with the presumed numbers of positive (Omicron?) cases that are going to present themselves over the coming weeks, (or even currently).

 

1 hour ago, samtam said:

This was issued by the PR department of the Thai Government yesterday; it's on their website too. I have spoken to Bangkok Hospital. If you have mild or no symptoms following a positive PCR test, you can isolate at home. This too is on their website. I was concerned about a mandatory 10 day hospital stay if I was not severely ill, but it seems the policy, first touted by the Medical Services Department early last week, is now being implemented. The number of beds in hospitals, hospitels etc could not cope with the presumed numbers of positive (Omicron?) cases that are going to present themselves over the coming weeks, (or even currently).

 

Then the issue is how it may be applied by each hospital. There's no guaranty they will not keep you if they wish to cash your money.

3 hours ago, candide said:

Be aware that for vaccinated people, ATK tests may show positive only on third day after symptoms. That's what happened to me and I read a bit about it, it seems to be common for vaccinated people who react even to a small quantity of virus, while ATK tests need a certain quantity of virus to be present in the body to be effective.

Yes, agree I've read about this. No point wasting a RAT the 1st day of feeling off. In my own case if I came down with cold/flu like symptoms I'd wait to 3rd day to test.

11 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Out of curiosity - after how many days did you get released and under what conditions? (i.e. to home or to a "hospitel")? Did you have to test negative before they released you?

Hi Sheryl

 

i was an inmate for 5 nights. Dr blatantly lied “ x province has no policy for early release”, obviously did not want the pressure

 

Our govt care appointee was good though - after hearing I had no symptoms on day 3, but day 5 pushed the Dr to release me

 

Everyones experience will differ, but if the majority experience Omricon like me, then just get it and be done with if your vaxed. It really was trivial for me, had far far worse 

Ps - home quarantine until day 14. Also nuts in my opinion - am sure it was Omricon and it left just as fast as it arrived. 
 

the 14 days is still based on the Alpha.version from 2020

 

Sure - let’s be super conservative - 14 days - after all most Thai people have a wad of cash stashed and don’t  need to work to survive ( not ) 

20 hours ago, grain said:

I bought 2 X RATs which I keep at home just in case I or tirak come down with Omi. We're both fully vaxed and both very healthy. We've already discussed it together and if we catch Omi we're not telling a soul and will just self isolate until it passes (3-5 days seems the average) We have plenty of food, water, meds at home. We have separate rooms if only one of us gets it, but that would seem unlikely as we're together all the time. Of course if one of us took a bad turn and needed medical care then we'll handle that is it arises, but all the people I know who have caught Omi were fighting fit a week later. 

 

Interesting that prior to the Omi variant I did not know one person anywhere in the world who had contracted covid-19. Now all of a sudden I have dozens of close friends in Thailand, UK, Australia who have caught the virus, people of varying ages and varying degrees of health and fitness, and they all report that they had mild cold/flu like symptoms that lasted for 3 days.

 

We are in sync 100%. well written 

 

 

To the title...hell NO

 

Forced hospitalization, a money grab, without the need for meds or a ventilator is just plain silly.

47 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

To the title...hell NO

 

Forced hospitalization, a money grab, without the need for meds or a ventilator is just plain silly.

I am now naturalised....  so govt actually pay alot towards the hospitalisation - the again.... maybe back end payments to th top are a new way to spin money - who knows.  ???? 

21 hours ago, samtam said:

This was issued by the PR department of the Thai Government yesterday; it's on their website too. I have spoken to Bangkok Hospital. If you have mild or no symptoms following a positive PCR test, you can isolate at home. This too is on their website. I was concerned about a mandatory 10 day hospital stay if I was not severely ill, but it seems the policy, first touted by the Medical Services Department early last week, is now being implemented. The number of beds in hospitals, hospitels etc could not cope with the presumed numbers of positive (Omicron?) cases that are going to present themselves over the coming weeks, (or even currently).

 

This is exactly what happened with a nephew and his family. They came in, evaluated everyone's symptoms, the living space, who could self isolate, and who could help take care of the isolates.  One went to hospitel and the others stayed at home. All very logical. This was with Delta about 3 months ago.

 

I am not sure they are still around, but Chinese Lepu RAT kits are defective, as they can return false negatives.

The kits that involve transferring the swab contents to a vial for mixing with a few mL of liquid prior to application to the test bed are correctly designed.

Having experienced  spartan hospital quarantine conditions once already, I would definitely self-isolate at home after a positive RAT reading. I would only go to a hospital if I had breathing problems.

On 1/9/2022 at 2:53 PM, samtam said:

If you have mild or no symptoms following a positive PCR test, you can isolate at home.

I hope this is correct. However on a 103FM (Pattaya radio) news item the announcer today was talking about this but mentioned that those over 60 would not be allowed to isolate at home?

 

40 minutes ago, topt said:

I hope this is correct. However on a 103FM (Pattaya radio) news item the announcer today was talking about this but mentioned that those over 60 would not be allowed to isolate at home?

 

Here is the Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok link.

 

Home isolation is recommended if you fall into the Green category.

 

If you are designated in the Yellow category, (which includes >60), then they may want to hospitalise you. These guidelines will obviously change if there is a bed shortage, and I suspect that will materialise fairly quickly, as cases increase.

 

 

Covid is getting boring. In my village in Isan nobody gives a rats aaase, some wear masks, some don't, we are all fully vaccinated. Yes in the next village a couple of people caught covid, in the market town several people have been hospitalized but it's as interesting as cricket. 

On 1/9/2022 at 2:48 PM, skippybangkok said:

I guess its easy for me to say now as I know I can handle it, which I did not know prior to getting it. Had far far worse flu's than this 

Thx for the heads up Skip, yeh, na, would do as you say anyways, no PCR or hospital stay if I get it, even with private cover, not unless I'm really struggling that is.

 

Question, age, smoker, non-smoker and any pre-existing conditions would help if you don't mind.

Currently half the extended family is coughing and sneezing, but no-one will take a Covid test - because they are afraid of being locked up for 2 weeks. And us farang could face a large unnecessary hospital bill. No surprise that Thai 'case numbers' are so low!

 

Also like an earlier poster, back in the UK had only had one confirmed Covid case in the family until November, now an extra 3. I'm sure Omicron cases are in the thousands here.

The problem with PCR, is that it can take days to get the results back, by then you can “infect the whole village!”

 

This is my advice if you are in Thailand specifically (I am no doctor). If you start feeling symptoms, take a home ATK test ASAP. If positive and you are in a high risk group, get a PCR. If positive and in a low risk group, take a test again tomorrow and every 3 days after. Of course, stay home (not even to get food… get delivery!) If negative and symptoms persist, take a home ATK again in 3 days. If still negative, but symptoms get worse, get a PCR!

On 1/9/2022 at 2:41 PM, Golden Triangle said:

 now at home we do a weekly saliva test, so much more civilised.

 

A tad expensive, some are Baht 150, and the mrs found some at Baht 110, we will do another test on Tuesday 11/01/22.

 

 

My local 7/11 also has a chemist, they have the Gica 2in1 ATK's which can be used either Nasal or Saliva.

Bt.59.00 per test kit.

10 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

My local 7/11 also has a chemist, they have the Gica 2in1 ATK's which can be used either Nasal or Saliva.

Bt.59.00 per test kit.

The Gica's should work OK.

I am still gobsmacked by the fact those kits are less than $3 ( AUD ) here, and $25 in Australia. Some scumbag is making a motza.

On 1/9/2022 at 3:56 PM, candide said:

Then the issue is how it may be applied by each hospital. There's no guaranty they will not keep you if they wish to cash your money.

If it comes to that then just tell them you only keep enough money in Thailand for living expenses, and if they try to force you in, tell them you cannot guarantee they will be paid.

16 hours ago, topt said:

I hope this is correct. However on a 103FM (Pattaya radio) news item the announcer today was talking about this but mentioned that those over 60 would not be allowed to isolate at home?

 

My GF and my son were transfered to a "hospitel" after PCR-tested positive on Saturday. Both without any symptoms.

So I would not count on that you can isolate yourself at home

13 minutes ago, JustAnotherHun said:

My GF and my son were transfered to a "hospitel" after PCR-tested positive on Saturday. Both without any symptoms.

So I would not count on that you can isolate yourself at home

TIT so yes I would agree especially as only just theoretically being implemented and every "decision maker" will have their own view.

3 hours ago, JustAnotherHun said:

My GF and my son were transfered to a "hospitel" after PCR-tested positive on Saturday. Both without any symptoms.

So I would not count on that you can isolate yourself at home

Where are you/they located? Like so many things, it will vary from province to province, hospital to hospital etc. Much needed clarity on policy is rarely given, sadly.

 

 

3 hours ago, topt said:

TIT so yes I would agree especially as only just theoretically being implemented and every "decision maker" will have their own view.

Yes, it's difficult when there is no general policy...

 

Quote

 

The government plans to conduct more proactive Covid testing to halt the spread of Omicron, the government said on Monday in a scheduled press conference.

A spokesman also added that people with mild Covid symptoms should do home isolation instead of burdening the health system.

 

Above from Thai Enquirer.

54 minutes ago, samtam said:

Where are you/they located? Like so many things, it will vary from province to province, hospital to hospital etc. Much needed clarity on policy is rarely given, sadly..

Pattaya, world class hystery resort ????

Two days ago my stepdaughter 24yrs old (husband and two small children) who I have looked after since she was a small girl suddenly had stomach pains and breathing problems, onset of about 3 hours from healthy and cheerful to groaning. Her husband drove her to hospital and while waiting to see the doctor she collapsed with a heart attack. The doctor did CPR with her lying on the floor and then she was rushed to the ICU. Everybody moved away in horror, covid, covid, covid. She had a severe lung infection and her restricted oxygen intake caused the heart attack, no covid was found. She is now on a breathing machine and is getting antibiotics. It seems now that any breathing problems you have is suspected to be covid. We are looking after her two daughters (one is only 6 months old) but we can't visit her due to fears of bringing covid into the ICU (a sensible precaution I suppose) which is very hard on the two kids and her husband. I think people have become over sensitive to covid in the towns as opposed to the villages.