Getting COVID, navigating protocols and the Telemedicine experience in Singapore
On Saturday, 19 Feb, I was nursing a fever and dry cough through the night. On 20 Feb, I still tested negative. It was not until nearly 3 days later, 22 Feb when I tested positive for COVID.
The first day was pretty rough — I had fever, diarrhea, body ache and a bad throat infection. I informed my employers who then asked if I had a MC. Although I had half my mind set on just resting and opting for home recovery, I decided to take this chance to also familiarize with the public health protocols.
Navigating COVID Protocols
Accurate as of 22 February 2022, there are 3 main protocols based on the Ministry of Health (MOH) website:
- Protocol 1: I am unwell (symptomatic). One is recommended to see a doctor via private transport or via Telemedicine.
- Protocol 2: I am well (asymptomatic) or assessed mild. Based on the phrasing, you can self-diagnose as mild and not see a doctor.
- Protocol 3: I am in close contact. This then splits into whether once has been issued a Health Risk Warning (HRW) or not
If you are tested positive, only the first two protocols matter. The main ambiguity I found myself navigating was: do I really need to see a doctor if I test positive (and am slightly unwell)? Seems like the answer is no but I decided to try Telemedicine anyway.
The Telemedicine Experience
After a quick google search, there were really just 2 main apps for me to choose from:
- WhiteCoat — “a leading telehealth service that allows you to video consult a Singapore-registered GP on your phone wherever you are”
- Homage — “ request and manage care for you and your loved ones wherever, whenever”
The price for consultations are roughly the same, ~$25SGD (excluding medication). The only difference was that Homage did not have slots for same-day consultations (the earliest was a day away). On the other hand, WhiteCoat seemingly could get me connected to a doctor:
I initiated a connection with a doctor at about 1.13pm and waited online for about 5hrs till about 6pm before I got to see a doctor:
The doctor was very polite and professional, asking how long I had to wait and apologized for the delay.
Summary of FAQ I had:
Do I need to see a doctor if I test positive?
No but you should if you are really feeling unwell. You can opt for home recovery. Furthermore, according to MOH guidelines accurate as of 5 Feb 2022, you do not need a recovery memo to return to work/ school.
Do I need to get a supervised ART test?
No, you can do it yourself. The doctor I was connected with assured me that this is true.
Should I opt for telemedicine?
More expensive than a subsidized consultation at a polyclinic but for the convenience of being able to do it at home was great. I really appreciated that I could just wait for a consultation in bed instead of having to commute and wait in line.
Will you lose your sense of taste?
Food actually tastes mostly the same to me.
The COVID Experience
Day 1: Tested Positive — Diarrhoea, fever, headache, dry cough + throat infection, stuffy nose, fatigued*, slightly numb tongue. Arranged for telemedicine consult, received 5 day MC and was advised to follow protocol 2.
Day 2: No need to test — Diarrhoea, mild fever, dry cough + throat infection, fatigued*, slightly numb tongue
Day 3: No need to test — Diarrhoea, dry cough + throat infection, fatigued*, slightly numb tongue
Day 4: Tested Negative — dry cough, fatigued, slightly numb tongue
Day 5: Tested Negative — dry cough, fatigued, slightly numb tongue
Fast forward to Day 7, the slightly numb tongue and scratchy throat feeling persists. Not sure how much my physical state has worsened but I guess if I am feeling okay, IPPT on Friday will tell. I also realized that I tested negative fairly quickly relative to others. The doctor told me that the viral load can persist but regardless, by Day 7, even if one tests positive — as long as one as asymptomatic, one can carry on with activities.
The overall COVID experience, while not great, was not as bad as I thought. It felt worse than post-vaccination symptoms. But I could squeeze in a couple of hours of work in in spite of the nagging fatigued feeling. I am thankful for roommates who helped to manage the food situation when I was stuck in my room. Beyond Panadol on the first day, and some strepsils/ lozenges, I did not take any other medication. I took my boosters fairly early on (requirement as an educator, took Pzfier-Pzfier-Moderna). Home recovery went fine and think this will go a long way to offload the healthcare system for mild cases of COVID.
Hope everyone stays safe and healthy and may this tide over soon.
