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Chikungunya is mainly caused by a virus, but actually, it is much more than that. Symptoms of this viral illness are numerous; fever followed by liver-altering or debilitating joint pains that severely impair one’s daily flows of life can occur. In this blog, we will explore chikungunya, its symptoms, causes, treatment, duration of recovery, and how NHS Diagnostics can help you with chikungunya testing and treatment.
What Is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya, a viral infection, is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes that suck blood from infected patients and disperse it to other healthy persons. In layman’s terms, when a mosquito bites a person who is sick with chikungunya, the blood carries high-intensity virus loads, and after several days of multiplication of the virus in the mosquito, transmission to a healthy person occurs through the mosquito bite. The chikungunya virus was first described in Africa; however, soon afterward it started cruising various parts of the world. Though it is not generally of huge concern, instance symptoms may greatly interfere with the quality of life in the affected individual. A standard symptomatic presentation of chikungunya includes fever, joint pain, rash, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Chikungunya
Chikungunya fever is one of the most easily recognizable symptoms of the disease. The fever most commonly comes up suddenly with lots of heat rectally above 39°C (102°F) or so. Coinciding with thinking concerning the fever, one will almost always have pain in and swelling of the joints, especially in the areas of the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. The distress caused by joint pains is so great that almost all physical activities are crippled; hence this kind of most exceptional reflection of joint pains remains of prime importance in the disease itself. Some other common general symptoms include rash, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. The rash generally starts on the trunk and may also appear on the upper arms, forearms, legs, and face, alongside swelling on the affected locations.
Causes of Chikungunya
The chikungunya virus is responsible for causing chikungunya, which initially infects mosquitoes and, by bites of already infected mosquitoes, is transmitted to mankind. They bite the healthy person and infect him. The mosquitoes that spread these viruses are predominantly found in urban and suburban habitats, exposing people living in very populous areas to higher risks. Chikungunya does not exhibit direct transmission from one person to another, maintaining mosquitoes as the main vector.
Treatment and Medication for Chikungunya
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya nor is there any specific antiviral for the disease. Management and treatment are just like any other treatment progress- providing relief from the symptoms of chikungunya pain, fever, and other discomforts. Any of the painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can be taken for symptomatic relief of fever and the joint pains of chikungunya. But the sole exception is aspirin, which should be avoided because it could increase the bleeding risk. Along with that, adequate hydration by mouth should be encouraged because dehydration may occur due to fever and profuse sweating.
Adequate rest is also imperative in treatment, allowing enough time for the body to recover against the virus. If joint pain remains during recovery, physical therapy sometimes is recommended to relieve those symptoms and improve mobility. An individual cannot receive a cure for chikungunya, but with good supportive care, a majority of individuals should completely recover within a couple of weeks.
Recovery Time for Chikungunya
Recovery from chikungunya depends on the extent of symptoms and the condition of health of the patient generally. Most patients have a significant fever from chikungunya that lasts 2-3 days, feeling better in a week. Joint pain and fatigue can be present for much longer, sometimes on the order of weeks or even months. In some cases, joint pains and stiffness might last for a few more months after infection, termed post-chikungunya arthritis. In fact, most patients recover fully, given proper management and symptom care.
Chikungunya Test: The NHS Diagnostics Approach
If chikungunya is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought. At NHS Diagnostics, thorough chikungunya tests are conducted to confirm the infection with the virus. Prompt differentiation between chikungunya and other similar diseases like dengue or Zika virus greatly aids the diagnosis. Chikungunya tests usually involve blood samples collected to look for antibodies or even the virus itself. Therefore, if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or fatigue are being experienced, we highly recommend a visit to our clinic for an accurate diagnosis. Our trained medical personnel employ current diagnostic skills to provide response and assured results, enabling confirmation of the appropriate treatment and care for you.
In conclusion, chikungunya is a viral disease causing fever, painful joints, and many other symptoms, thus being a huge potential disruptor of an individual’s daily life. Although there is no specific medicine for chikungunya, supported care helps ease the symptoms. Therefore, timely diagnosis and management will provide avenues for a quicker and full recovery. Testing for chikungunya at NHS will confirm the presence of the virus and guide your treatment. If you suspect that you have chikungunya or have been in an area with active circulation of the virus, do not hesitate to refer to the clinic for comprehensive consultation and diagnostic testing. We have a full team of professionals to walk with you toward recovery and any care you need.