Tag 236 - Hospital Visit in Phuket

Hello everyone

This morning I went straight to the pharmacy to get a couple of medications and advice for Kevin. The pharmacist assistant said that malaria was unlikely, but we still wanted to get a medical opinion.

So after I returned, we went to the nearest hospital, the 'Chalong Emergency Hospital'.

When we arrived there, we were a bit overwhelmed... There was a large building, like we would expect from a hospital. However, the reception and waiting area were outside on a gravel plaza. The staff wore a type of rain poncho over their uniform, along with a headband and a plastic visor that covered their entire face. This was the first time we thought we might not be able to leave and would end up in quarantine. But, we decided to go through with it! At the reception, we asked for a blood test, which made everyone take a few steps back. We explained that we were bitten by tiger mosquitoes and wanted to get tested for malaria and dengue. The man at the reception seemed relieved, smiled, made a phone call, and sent us to the 'Vachira Phuket Hospital'. So, we continued our journey. This hospital definitely resembled the ones we have back home. It was not very well done, more like a huge concrete block, but big. We walked through the main entrance like normal and had to go to the fever measurement area first. This was the second time we thought we might not be able to leave because we knew Kevin had a slightly elevated temperature. But, it turned out to be negative. We were given two stickers for our shirts to indicate that we don't have a fever, and then we could express our request for the blood test. What was special about this hospital was that it had no people! Everything was empty, no employees or patients were walking around - it was a bit creepy...

We were accompanied by a total of two staff members to the corresponding department two floors down. There was a bit more activity again but still not like in a normal hospital. We found ourselves in the area for 'international patients', and even there, we were told that they don't perform such tests. After another phone call, we were sent to the 'Mission Hospital Phuket'. Finally! We were served there! We had to fill out two forms, and since we had been in a high-risk area before (well, which country isn't a high-risk area these days?), we had to wait outside. There were a total of five chairs, each standing on a cross on the floor to maintain social distancing. Surprisingly, a nurse (presumably) came to us very quickly, asked some questions, and checked Kevin's temperature: 37.5 degrees. Oh great... And once again, we thought we would have to stay here because she walked away silently with the thermometer in her hand.

But, we were allowed to go to a waiting room, and not even five minutes later, we were with the doctor. He assured us that it must be an infection in the gastrointestinal tract because for malaria, you would have a fever above 39 degrees for at least five days, for dengue, for three days, and for coronavirus, there would be a cough and a high fever.

We were given a lot of medication, including antibiotics. I was very relieved, but Kevin is a bit skeptical of the doctor because he didn't perform a blood test. We did ask for it, but he thought it was unnecessary. I think to myself, these are all professionals, and with all the medication we received, no virus stands a chance.

Now, let's wait and hope that the medication takes effect... If it's not better tomorrow, we will go out again in search of someone who can perform this blood test.

Alright guys, that's it for today - see you again tomorrow!