At the onset of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic in Thailand, all infected patients had to be admitted to a hospital or field hospital, regardless of symptoms, in order to ensure they received proper care as well as to control the spread of the virus.
However, the latest wave in Thailand, which has so far lasted more than 3 months (information as of July 2021), has led to a sharp rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases and the situation has not yet shown any signs of ending. This increase in the number of patients has overwhelmed many hospitals and field hospitals which have reached full capacity, leaving infected patients waiting for beds and without the proper treatment they require, which can be fatal. Therefore, authorities have introduced home isolation for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients, as well as designated hotels—“hospitels”—where patients can receive appropriate treatment while being isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to their family and community.
Home isolation is a suitable option for asymptomatic patients who are able to take care of themselves while isolating from other members of their household. Once a COVID-19 infection has been diagnosed, medical staff will assess the suitability of a 14-day or longer period home isolation. The patients should be under 60 years of age, in generally good health, not obese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2 or weight ≤ 90 kg), and not suffering from any of the following conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, uncontrollable diabetes, or other conditions that may be considered by doctors to be a risk. Patients must agree to strictly isolate themselves from others. This means they must not reside in a location with an uninfected person and, if possible, stay alone. The official guidelines for practicing home isolation are as follows:
Patients in hospitel will receive treatment and be monitored by medical professionals for a period of no less than 10 days. Patients in any of the following groups may be admitted to a hospitel:
A confirmed COVID-19 infection with no serious symptoms, Sp02 levels > 96%, with or without underlying health conditions, and less than 75 years of age.
A confirmed COVID-19 infection with no serious symptoms, Sp02 levels > 94%, with or without underlying health conditions, and less than 65 years of age.
A confirmed COVID-19 infection with mild symptoms, Sp02 levels > 92%, no underlying health conditions, and less than 60 years of age.
A confirmed COVID-19 infection with serious symptoms which has improved after treatment in the hospital for 7–10 days and is in stable condition; these patients can be transferred to a hospitel in order to complete their 14-day isolation.
*In case of full capacity, physicians may adjust the criteria at their discretion, being sure to hold all patients’ safety as their top priority.
The following are examples of the underlying health conditions referred to above:
Obesity (BMI > 30kg/m2 or weight > 90 kg)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
Asthma
Severe allergies
Chronic kidney disorder (CKD)
Cardiovascular disease, including congenital heart disease
Cerebrovascular disease
Uncontrollable diabetes
Liver cirrhosis
Immunodeficiency disorders
Lymphocytes less than 1,000 cells/cubic meter
Latest information is correct as of 22 July 2021.
Studies into the spread of COVID-19 have shown that infected patients are capable of transmitting the virus to others for 14 days following their infection, after which the chance of transmission is significantly reduced. However, complications can occur during the 14-day period of infection or even after. Patients are educated and advised to carefully monitor their own symptoms to ensure their safety.
Besides the anxiety that can occur, having to isolate for an extended period of time can increase loneliness and stress. This makes finding relaxing activities particularly important for those isolating at home or in a hospitel. Such activities include the following:
In addition to COVID-19 patients isolating at home or hospitel, uninfected people who are in good health should remain careful, continue social distancing, and avoid unnecessary contact or travel to high-risk areas as much as possible.
Telehealth services have played a key role providing remote health care in order to minimize the chance of exposure to the COVID-19 virus facilitating care for patients who might not be able to physically travel to the hospital. The following services are now available:
Telehealth services, especially telemedicine, have become more prevalent in Thailand. However, their use is still limited to simple and uncomplicated conditions because one of the major limitations is that the doctor cannot perform a direct physical examination, making definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment more difficult.
Nevertheless, there are now handheld examination kits available, such as TytoCare, innovative equipment including a built-in digital stethoscope to perform basic health assessments. This single device can be used by patients at home to listen to their heart and lungs; examine their ears, nose, throat, and skin; and measure their temperature, with the results sent to medical staff without the need for person-to-person contact. The TytoCare device has been certified by both the Thai and American Food and Drug Administrations. As such, its users can be confident that the quality of health screening it provides is reliable and trustworthy.
Consult a doctor online in 3 simple steps:
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