Dengue Fever-Blood Transfusion Availability

[maithai99]

Hi everyone,

I've had Dengue twice (98 KPG, 2010 Krabi). Im heading back to KPG in Jan for a month and trying think about a back up plan,if I get it again.

I have spoken to an expert who told me, when I asked if I should stop going to possible dengue areas, to keep doing what im doing (and use more repellant during the day) but if I get a fever (believe me you know when its Dengue) to start getting to somewhere where there is a good hospital because in the worse case scenario you may need a blood transfusion or platelets (Dengue lowers your platelet levels - your blood can haemorage and get internal bleeding).

Usually the fever lasts 5 days but the worse period for blood issues is after the fever breaks and you start feeling better.

Anyone have an idea what the Samui/Surat hospitals are generally like in regards to blood supplies ( B+ by the way ), otherwise Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

Its just a precaution as Im also 50 per cent less likely to get it again (there are only 4 strains and Ive had 2, you cant get the same one again) but it can be worse each time, I did't need to have a transfusion at any time before or ever but as I said its a worse case scenario.

Thanks

[stiggy]

Yes they have the necessary, just make sure you have a good insurance as private hospitals here can be costly.

[maithai99]

Ok excellent thanks, Insurance is not a problem, which one is the most decent these days, havent been to KPG or Samui for over 2 years, is there a private hosp on KPG now?

[angiud]

In KPG there is a public hospital, usable for simple issues.

Plus ambulatories of Bangkok Hospital, Bandon Hospital anf Thai International Hospital, taking care of simple cases as well.

More serious problems need a transfer to Koh Samui by ambulance plus speed boat (expensive charges)

[Rooo]

A bit off topic, but worth a mention. This is very interesting.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/papaya-leaf-juice-helps-fight-dengue-fever/1022585

[ShannonCuller]

Husband recently had DHF and needed platelet transfusion at Bangkok Samui. The platelets had to be flown in from Bangkok so there was a waiting period overnight while we were very anxious. Oddly enough I had heard so much from friends in Malaysia as to the benefits of papaya leaf extract (followed by a lot of Googling) that I asked a dear friend to make it as he has several trees on his property. I wouldn't say it has a pleasant taste but my husband drank it happily while in ICU and his plummeting platelets held at a whopping 8 overnight and then climbed quickly. I've also heard of missionaries drinking it routinely because it supposedly decreases the severity of dengue and malaria. They make papaya leaf tea by drying the leaves. Interesting stuff.

[maithai99]

Ok thats good news,cause a vaccination is years away apparently, a papaya tree farm might be a good idea,thanks Anguid im familiar with the KPG hospital,dont think its changed since the early nineties,they could do with better equipment,wonder if they would accept second hand equipment from other countries but i suppose staffing is a problem

[maithai99]

Shannon,Mine got down to 11 last time,ok so sounds like getting to Bangkok might be a better plan for platelets,the problem is getting there when you feel like crap! At least they can do the proper tests in Samui,was blood trans an option or you have to get platelets,did they have blood supply