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Chikungunya medicine: what to do to alleviate symptoms

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Although there is no specific treatment for the disease, the best remedies for chikungunya are a combination of rest, fluid intake and supportive medications. The main medications used are analgesics, antipyretics and corticosteroids, aiming to relieve intense pain and fever. 1

On the one hand, chikungunya fever can be treated according to the doctor’s preference and the patient’s history, without major risks. However, as the symptomatology is quite similar to that of dengue, without confirmation of the cause, it is necessary to be more careful when choosing the medicine. 1

In this post, we will explain what the disease is, how the treatment works and which medicine to take to alleviate chikungunya symptoms. In addition, we will highlight which drugs to avoid when you are not sure what is causing your discomfort. 1 2

Keep reading!

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya fever is a febrile infectious disease, capable of causing intense and debilitating pain, especially in the joints. Its name means “those who bend” in the Swahili language. This makes a reference to the fact that, during its first recorded epidemic, patients even doubled over in pain. 1 2

Like the pathogen that causes dengue fever, the chikungunya virus is also transmitted by female mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . 1

Generally, serious cases are rare and there is no hemorrhagic form of the disease, as occurs with dengue. However, there are other similarities between them that affect the necessary concern and care for choosing appropriate medications. two

We will see more about chikungunya remedies later, but first we will talk about the symptoms.

Chikungunya fever symptoms

The main symptoms of chikungunya are 1 :

  • joint pain, with or without local swelling;
  • headache;
  • muscle aches;
  • high fever, above 38.5 °C;
  • nausea;
  • tiredness;
  • red spots on the body.

Less frequently, there are patients who present varied symptomatic conditions, including rare manifestations, such as 1 2 :

  • chills;
  • photosensitivity;
  • mouth sores;
  • eye inflammations;
  • back pains;
  • paralysis;
  • seizure;
  • encephalopathy;
  • pancreatitis;
  • hepatitis;
  • respiratory and/or kidney failure;
  • pneumonia;
  • cardiovascular problems.

As mentioned, chikungunya can easily be confused with dengue, Zika, and other acute infections . In addition to sharing the transmitter, certain symptoms are common among the aforementioned diseases. 2 3

A doctor can often narrow the diagnosis and reduce suspicion by observing the intensity of joint pain. However, it is essential to eliminate any doubts, which can only be done through laboratory tests. 2 3

What can I do to alleviate chikungunya symptoms?

To alleviate the symptoms of chikungunya, it is recommended to avoid any effort and take complete rest, reducing the load on the muscles and joints. Furthermore, due to fever, it is important to combat the risk of dehydration by increasing your fluid intake. Finally, to alleviate both symptoms, certain types of medication can be used, mainly analgesics and antipyretics. 1

As mentioned, there is no specific treatment or antiviral to combat the virus that causes the infection. For this reason, the care presented aims only to provide support and alleviate discomfort while you are convalescing. 2 3

The onset of the condition can be quite sudden, increasing the feeling of urgency in the search for a remedy for chikungunya. However, it is essential to act prudently and avoid self-medication. 3

Chikungunya medicine: what should I take?

Regarding the best remedies for chikungunya, doctors can start preventative treatment with analgesics and antipyretics. Generally, the drugs chosen are safe for cases of suspected dengue fever, such as paracetamol and dipyrone. 1 2

This concern is due to the fact that there are medications that increase the risk of hemorrhagic fever in dengue, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples of this class of drugs include ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid. 1 2

After carrying out tests to confirm chikungunya and rule out dengue, there is the possibility of expanding treatment with other medicines. However, this usually only occurs when symptoms last beyond the normal period, of a maximum of two weeks. 1

Looking for safe alternatives to alleviate chikungunya symptoms? Know that Benegrip is safe and can be used even if you suspect dengue. This is because it has the power of dipyrone with analgesic and antipyretic action to relieve pain, fever, stuffy nose and runny nose. 4

Visit the official Benegrip page and find out more!

Please note : Chikungunya remedy recommendations, including mention of Benegrip, are for informational purposes only. Before taking any medication, consult a doctor.

How long does the chikungunya virus stay in the body?

Regarding the time that the virus remains in the body, the disease can occur in three different ways 1 :

  • febrile or acute phase: lasting between 5 and 14 days, represents the most common course of the infection;
  • post-acute phase: for a period of 15 to 90 days, the impact caused by the virus can reach other parts of the body and prolong the symptomatic condition, even partially (symptoms such as fever and itching decrease, while joint problems continue, for example example);
  • chronic phase: the most serious complication of chikungunya is the onset of the chronic phase, when certain symptoms last beyond 90 days. Joint pain, for example, can become chronic in more than 50% of cases.

Tips for preventing chikungunya

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main villain behind cases of the disease. In this context, combating it is crucial to reduce the circulation of the chikungunya virus and prevent new epidemics. 1

Everyone can do their part in this fight, remembering that this mosquito is the same one that transmits more worrying and severe conditions, such as dengue, zika and yellow fever. 1

In view of this, our prevention tips are the following 3 :

  • avoid throwing garbage, especially objects that can accumulate water, in vacant lots and outdoors;
  • when storing bottles and containers, cover them and/or leave them upside down;
  • put sand in plant pots;
  • keep water tanks and cisterns clean and closed;
  • Dispose of used tires at collection points or certified projects.

We hope we have answered your questions about the main symptoms and remedies for chikungunya. For more information and posts about health, stay tuned to the blog. Until later!

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