According to information from World Health Organization (WHO)

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 spreads mainly by droplets or aerosols from the nose or mouth of infected person. The onset of symptoms is around 2 14 days. The symptoms of COVID 19 include fever, fatigue, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, loss of taste or smell. Some people may experience severe symptoms like pneumonia and death.





COVID-19 Symptoms

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, headache, chills or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes).
 

 

If symptoms such as a fever, coughing, sneezing, and nausea are present, or if the patient is otherwise deemed to be at risk of contracting COVID-19 there are numerous ways to confirm whether an infection has occurred or not:

 

1. Detecting the viral RNA with rRT-PCRrRT-PCR is the gold standard for SARS-CoV 2 screening, with a high specificity and sensitivity.  Only a very small amount of the viral genetic material needs to be present for the genes to be detected, regardless of whether the virus is still viable or not. The specimen is collected from of the secretions in the patient’s airways. It is a very timely and effective method of detecting the virus with results known within 3-5 hours so that treatment can begin during the earliest stages of infection.
2. Detecting the viral protein with antigen test kit (ATK)
   The ATK tests for COVID-19 by detecting the proteins or antigens of the SARS-CoV-2 found in the secretions of the nasopharyngeal cavity. The results will be ready within 15-30 minutes. While fast, the specificity and sensitivity are not as great as the rRT-PCR. However, it enables mass screening at a much higher rate. Patients who want to use the ATK should collect test samples from the first day that they experience respiratory difficulties or any other symptoms indicative of COVID-19. A retest may be required 3-5 days after the first test, to be sure.
   
   


3. Checking your antibody responses
   
   3.1 The IgM/IgG antibody test (RDT: Rapid Diagnostic Test) takes a blood sample and gives a result within 15 minutes. If used in the early stage of infection the results may show as negative even if COVID-19 is present, because the immune system has not yet responded to the virus. It usually takes 1 – 3 weeks after initial infection for the body to produce the IgM and IgG antibodies.
   
   3.2 Quantitative testing for IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 using chemiluminescent microparticle immuno-assay (CMIA). This requires a blood sample to be taken in order to measure the body’s IgG response to the spike (RBD) protein, which is what the virus uses to enter human cells (especially in the respiratory system), leading to infection and illness. If the antibody levels are high enough, the chances of infection and the severity of the symptoms may lessen. This is not a diagnostic test for COVID-19 and a positive test result does not guarantee that there will be no infection.
   
   3.3 Testing for the neutralizing (NT) antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This test gives an indication of the effectiveness of the neutralizing antibody in stopping the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering cells and replicating themselves.

Further information on the testing of the immune system response to COVID-19

1. If you test negative after being fully vaccinated, it may be because:          
   • The blood sample is too old
   • You are immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressants.
   • The particular properties of vaccine that you received
   • The inherently differing physiological responses that occur across ages and gender.

2. Testing positive does not necessarily mean that you will not be infected or spread the virus to others. It is advised that you continue to stringently follow Ministry of Public Health guidelines.

 

There are several different types of COVID-19 vaccine. Each type is designed and manufactured differently. Some of the most common ones are:

1. mRNA Vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech / ModernaTM) This is made from the genetic material of the covid virus itself. By injecting this, you are inducing your body to develop an immune response to the virus.
2. Viral Vector Vaccine (AstraZeneca / Johnson & Johnson)This uses a carrier virus such as adenovirus to carry the genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human cells. This stimulates the body into creating an immune response.
3. Protein-Based Vaccine (Novavax)This is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials. It incorporates viral proteins such as the spike protein, and may require an adjuvant to induce a good immune response.
4. Inactivated Vaccine (SinoVac / Sinopharm)This introduces inactivated SARS-CoV-2 into the body to induce an immune response.

Read COVID-19 vaccine recommendations Click 

The Bumrungrad COVID-19 vaccine information center Click
 

COVID-19 vaccines come from various technologies of vaccine manufacturing. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines use genetically engineered mRNA to give your cells instructions for how to make the spike protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. After vaccination, your immune cells begin making the spike protein pieces and displaying them on cell surfaces. This causes your body to create antibodies that will fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Thailand has approved two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as the following:

• COMIRNATYTM (Pfizer-BioNTech)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna

Efficacy of the mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech / ModernaTM)
 

Vaccines Comparison	Pfizer-BioNTech	ModernaTM
Efficacy data of vaccine	93-95% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection. 95-100% effective against severe COVID-19 disease. **(The efficacy of vaccine may vary from country based on clinical trial results)	82-94 % effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection.
Indication	The vaccine is available to people 12 years and older	The vaccine is available to people 18 years and older
Dose and schedule	Vaccines are injected intramuscularly to the upper arm muscle. Dose (milliliter): 0.3 Number of doses: 2 doses Dosing interval between two doses: 3 weeks after the first dose.	Vaccines are injected intramuscularly to the upper arm muscle. Dose (milliliter): 0.5 Number of doses: 2 doses Dosing interval between two doses: 4 weeks after the first dose.

 

Who should get the COVID 19 vaccine?

People who are at risk of COVID 19 infection such as medical personnel as well as workers and officials tasked with disease control or are in contact with patients, and people who are at risk of severe COVID 19 disease such as elderly, obesity, and those with lung disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised, stroke, cancer, etc.

The safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been yet established. Breastfeeding and pregnancy after the first 12 weeks could be considered to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but after a discussion of the benefits and risks with their healthcare professional.

Read more information and the side effects after getting the vaccines Click

Bumrungrad Hospital, the VitalLife center, and our team of pharmacists have developed a home isolation kit for you to care for, safeguard, and screen yourself against COVID-19 at home. Whether you are COVID-19 positive or negative, this kit will help you to look after your health and quality of life during the pandemic. The Home Isolation Kit ensures that you are comprehensively equipped with the medical supplies and medications required to look after your health during the pandemic, including those who are at risk, such as people who are in close contact with COVID-19 patients, and early-stage COVID-19 patients. The Home Isolation Kit comes in the following configurations: 
 

1. ECO Protective set ฿3,800
   Suitable for: Anyone wishing to stay healthy and safeguard themselves against the virus, including self-care at home in the event of contracting COVID-19.
2. Protective Set ฿6,200
   Suitable for: Anyone, but in particular those who are at risk or are in close contact with COVID-19 patients, such as family members that they care for at home or those under home quarantine.
3. Caring Set ฿7,500
   Suitable for: COVID-19 patients who are in home isolation and require symptomatic treatment. This includes supplements to aid your recovery and the medical supplies necessary during your home isolation.

Ordering your Home Isolation Kit

• Fill in the order form
• The pharmacist will then assess your medical history
• Our automated system will send you details to pay via ePayment within 24-48 hours.
• The kit will be sent to your address within 7 working days.

 
Collecting your Home Isolation Kit

• You may collect your kit in person at the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center (building C, 10th floor) if you are not a COVID-19 patient and are not currently subject to quarantine.
• Take delivery of your kit via post within 7 working days (no extra cost).

Enter your details to order your Home Isolation Kit
Scan the QR code to download the Home Isolation Kit manual

Scan QR Code : Home Isolation Kit

 

• Avoid crowded areas and maintain physical distance if you must go out. Carry hand sanitizer with you and wear at a surgical mask at all times.
• Build and support a strong immune system by eating healthily, exercising regularly, and taking the supplements necessary for a robust immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc etc.

 

Programs and packages for general self-care during the COVID-19 situation

 

• If you have been vaccinated you can check your IgG antibody response against spike protein, which will tell you how responsive your immune system will be to COVID-19 virus. You can also measure your vitamin D levels for an indication of your immune system’s current state. It is recommended that you do this after becoming fully vaccinated (2 doses). Ideally, this should be done within 14-28 days but no later than 3 months after your vaccination was completed.

 

  

* Helps block up to 97% of bacteria in the nasal cavity
* The spray works within 50 seconds of administration
* Provides protection for up to 5 hours after each spray

Taffix is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and above. The Taffix nasal spray should be applied 2-3 minutes before going out into public areas or areas which are otherwise at a high risk of airborne spreading of the virus, such as workplaces, restaurants, public transport and enclosed areas, etc.

 

To purchase or receive more information, click

 

• Strengthen your immune system and stay at the ready with the Immune Fighter Plus program

 
   

 

• Close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, such as a family, will necessitate 14-day home quarantine for you.
• Isolate certain sections of your home. Do not share meals or personal belongings. 
• All members of your household should wear a surgical mask while taking steps to strengthen their immune systems, such as eating healthily and exercise regularly, as well as taking supplements required for a strong immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, etc
• Use the Antigen Test Kit (SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen) to collect nasal secretions yourself. The results will show within 15-30 minutes. Collecting these samples should begin on the first day of respiratory symptoms, or whenever you suspect that you may have contracted COVID-19. For more accurate and reliable results, you should retest at intervals of 3-5 days.

 

 
Recommended programs for people who come into close contact with COVID-19 patients

 

• Have a tele-consultation with a dietician to receive advice on how to adjust your diet in order to help strengthen the immune system and maintain a healthy body.

   
 

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms may undergo home isolation. Daily monitoring of temperature, fingertip oxygen levels, and other symptoms is a must.

• Stay in your own room, do not leave the house, and do not receive visitors.
• Isolate your personal items from others. Do not share meals with others, and do not receive food directly from food delivery personnel.
• Prepare basic remedies such as antipyretics and cooling gel pads for first aid. Consult your doctor online to inquire about symptoms, and receive medication deliveries as recommended by your doctor.
• If symptoms worsen and you experience a shortness of breath or a high fever, contact your hospital immediately.

 

Home self-care programs for COVID-19 patients

 

• Have a tele-consultation with a dietician to receive advice on how to adjust your diet in order to help strengthen the immune system and maintain a healthy body.

Nutrition advice via online consultation with a dietitian, click

 

• Be ready to care for yourself with the medicine and medical supplies found in the Home Isolation Kit. The Caring Set is suitable for COVID-19 patients who are in home isolation and require symptomatic treatment. This includes vitamin supplements to aid your recovery and the medical supplies necessary during your home isolation.

Fill out the Home Isolation Kit order form, click

 

• It is possible for those who have completed the treatment and declared as free of COVID-19 to still experience unpleasant symptoms. This includes fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, fever, palpitations, or depression in some cases. This condition, known as Long COVID, is a chronic condition in people who have been infected with COVID-19.
• Research has not yet yielded any clear causes for Long COVID, but it is believed to be due to a decreased efficiency of the immune system, or by changes in the body as a result of the stresses of the illness.
• Even if you COVID-19 virus can no longer be detected in you, your body may not have fully recovered. It is therefore very important that you focus on taking good care of yourself, such as by eating healthily, getting enough rest, and refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking.
• You can also test your IgG antibody response against spike protein (neutralizing antibody) of coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) to gauge the level of your immune response and the general capacity of the immune system, as well as vitamin D levels.
• It is recommended that people with Long COVID undergo a physical examination to have the blood pressure, heart rate, lung function and immune system function assessed by physicians and receive a more targeted recovery plan to bring you back to strength.

 

Program for COVID-19 survivors who continue to experience adverse effects (Long COVID).

 

• Undergo rehabilitation of your health with an immune system enhancing program. Rebalance your body with treatments such as high-pressure oxygen therapy and stimulate the body's natural repair mechanisms through intravenous vitamin therapy. The IV Immune Myer formula delivers essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients  directly into the bloodstream for the greatest effectiveness and health benefits. However, intravenous vitamin therapy needs to be closely supervised by doctors and qualified personnel.