A patient

COVID-19 is already classified as an endemic disease. Society’s feelings or fears about the outbreak have decreased significantly since the first period. However, the severity ofCOVID 19 It has not diminished in any way. Especially for certain groups of people such as the elderly and patients with 7 groups of chronic diseases. pregnant woman In addition, in the past misinformation has been spread about vaccines. Spread in various media, causing confusion and misunderstanding among the people.

The Royal College of Physicians of Thailand Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand and the Heart Society of Thailand under royal patronage So they opened a forum on the situation of COVID-19. Discuss the impact of disease and the need for preventive care for populations at risk. Medical experts are there to provide accurate knowledge and understanding. representatives from patient groups also came to share their views

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Prof. Phirun Mutsikapan, President of the Infectious Diseases Association of Thailand Reveals the situation of COVID-19 and the burden of disease in the populations at risk The outbreak of covid-19 is still high. From the beginning of 2024 to today (September 16, 2024), more than 700,000 people have been infected, requiring more than 48,000 hospitalizations, and 005 deaths, considered as the numbers highest rate of disease and death in Southeast Asia

“Compared to the flu from the beginning of 2024 until today With about 490,000 cases and 36 deaths, COVID-19 is considered more severe. both the number of patients and clearly more deaths Of those who died, 80-90 percent were people in the risk group 608,” said Assoc Professor Dr. Phirun.

Risk group 608 refers to people aged 60 and over and people with 7 chronic diseases, including chronic respiratory disease. cardiovascular disease chronic kidney disease Stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity Including pregnant women. Because the majority of the population has been away from vaccination for a long time, even though many people may already be infected But immunity did not last long. In addition, the germs have moved, these different causes can cause widespread diseases. and affecting vulnerable groups Serious infections and complications can occur.

Patients with heart disease are worried about COVID-19

Prof. published. Phirun also found that the groups mentioned above When you are sick with COVID-19 They are 2 to 3 times more likely to become seriously ill and 2 to 10 times more likely to die, compared to young people or people no co-morbidities. Not only do the symptoms become more severe when they are infected. But it also affects the state of the disease that the patient suffers from. Because of covid-19 It’s not just an infection of the respiratory tract.

But it is a disease that can appear in many members. Because the disease can spread throughout the body. Causes problems for various organ systems such as blood clots. Myocarditis, heart failure, and kidney failure increase the risk of death.

The risk of COVID-19 is what is generally known when it enters the lungs. It can cause pneumonia. For patients who already have respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, when the disease enters the lungs, the symptoms will be more severe than normal people. May cause respiratory failure. Regarding patients with heart disease, said Major General of Police Dr. Kasem Ratanasumawong, President of the Heart Association of Thailand under royal patronage said COVID-19 It also affects the cardiovascular system.

“People who don’t have heart disease When it’s COVID-19 It can cause problems for the heart, like causing inflammation in the heart muscle. Thrombosis and myocardial infarction from lack of blood supply This condition occurs in patients who already have heart disease Symptoms worsen and symptoms may worsen to a degree heart attack.”

Vaccines can reduce severity and reduce death rates.

Prof. Dr Sasisophin Ciattiburanakul Representative from the Royal College of Physicians in Thailand said COVID-19 It can affect all organs. It can cause a chain effect. to the disease that the patient is suffering from and leads to problems that can occur in many systems

Even those who had no previous medical conditions. It was found that some diseases increased after recovering from COVID, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, brain disease, which are conditions that followed COVID-19. Or it is called Long Covid, which is found in about 15 percent, but in the 608 group, the disease was severe both while they were sick and after they recovered.

Prof. Dr. Sasisophin Determining that the booster dose of the COVID vaccine is still necessary is changing, making it difficult for people who have received the vaccine or who have been infected for a long time. Existing immunity may not protect against infection. Especially in risk groups Therefore, it is necessary to get an increased vaccination.

“Countries around the world, including America, Europe, and Asia such as Taiwan and Singapore, continue to recommend that their citizens, especially in risk groups, get a shot of the COVID vaccine to prevent serious illness and death for Thailand The Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand and the Royal College of Physicians Covid vaccine recommendations have been issued to the 608 group, recommending increased views. Especially if the previous vaccination was more than 1 year ago or the last time the disease was more than 3-6 months, and it does not depend on whether the COVID-19 vaccine was ever received . How many came?” explained Prof. Sisiopin.

Confirm Covid vaccine It is safe.

The side effects of vaccines are so widely discussed that they can cause confusion. and accurate understanding with the people

Pol. Maj. Gen. Dr. Kasem Rattanasumawong, President of the Royal Thai Heart Association Point out that one of the side effects that are often discussed is myocarditis. which is from collecting injection data in Thailand itself It is reported to be found around 2 in a million, which increases in male teenagers aged 18-29 years, especially after the second dose but after the dose increase. We hardly find any reports. If compared to the incidence we saw in general people who did not receive the vaccine, it was found that there was no increase after the booster dose. booster vaccination Especially in the risk group, there is no concern at this point.

“COVID-19 itself can cause myocarditis and is more common than vaccination. If you weigh it, the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the chance of adverse effects, which is almost unparalleled,” said Maj. Gen. Dr. Kasem.

Patient representatives appeal to the government The vaccination must increase

Mr. Thanaphon Dokkaew from Citizens Network for Health Rights, Patient Group, Healthy Forum, and Kidney Friends Association of Thailand One of the participants in this forum emphasized that the government sector should focus on health promotion and prevention of COVID- 19. with increased vaccination Especially for groups of people with chronic diseases and people at risk.

“Most patient groups have been cautious ever since the onset of COVID-19. It is to protect ourselves as advised by doctors and experts, which we can do ourselves. But protect yourself with the vaccine It is beyond our abilities. Therefore, I would like to appeal to those who have relevant responsibilities to help consider and provide enough vaccines to the people. Even though the vaccine may not be necessary for some people, But it is still necessary for people with chronic diseases and people at risk,” said Mr. Thanaphon.