Doctor explains: Chikungunya from symptoms to recovery, what patients need to know

As monsoon showers deliver reduction from the summer season warmth, additionally they mark the return of mosquito-borne ailments throughout many elements of India. Chikungunya, a viral an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes is as soon as once more surfacing as a serious public well being concern throughout the wet season.

Whereas the sickness is never deadly, its hallmark symptom debilitating joint ache can linger for weeks and even months, disrupting every day life and mobility. With signs typically overlapping with dengue and different viral fevers, early recognition, right therapy and preventive measures are essential to keep away from issues and extended restoration.

The press reporter talked to Dr Bikramaditya Deb, Guide – Inside Medication, Max Tremendous Speciality Hospital (Patparganj) to understand how Chikungunya impacts the physique, the proper therapy strategy, warning indicators that require hospitalisation and why long-term joint ache is widespread after the an infection.

What’s Chikungunya and the way does it unfold?

Dr Bikramaditya: Chikungunya is a viral fever unfold to people by the chew of contaminated mosquitoes—particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus varieties. These mosquitoes often chew throughout the day. In the course of the wet season, they breed in small quantities of stagnant water present in flower pots, coolers, and discarded tires, which results in sudden outbreaks locally.

What are the early signs and when do they seem?

Dr Bikramaditya: Signs often present up 3 to 7 days after being bitten. The commonest indicators are:

*A sudden, very excessive fever.
*Intense joint ache (typically within the palms, toes, and knees) that may be fairly disabling.
*Complications, muscle aches, and a purple pores and skin rash that often seems a couple of days into the fever.

How is it recognized and the way is it completely different from dengue?

Dr Bikramaditya: A physician confirms the analysis by a blood check. It is extremely straightforward to confuse Chikungunya with Dengue or a typical viral fever as a result of the signs are comparable.

Whereas each trigger excessive fever, Chikungunya is understood for inflicting way more extreme joint swelling and ache. In contrast to Dengue, it hardly ever causes harmful inner bleeding or a life-threatening drop in platelet counts.

Who’s most prone to getting significantly unwell?

Dr Bikramaditya: Most individuals get well effectively however we should take additional care of:

Senior residents (65+): They’re extra prone to have long-term joint points.
New child infants: Particularly if the mom had the fever throughout supply.
Individuals with current well being points: These with diabetes, coronary heart illness, or kidney issues ought to be monitored intently.

What’s the customary therapy and which medicines ought to be averted?

Dr Bikramaditya: There isn’t any “magic capsule” or antibiotic to kill the virus; your physique should combat it off naturally.

What to do: Get loads of relaxation, drink plenty of fluids (water, coconut water, or ORS), and take Paracetamol for the fever and ache.

What to keep away from: Don’t take Aspirin or widespread painkillers like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac throughout the first few days. In case your sickness seems to be Dengue as an alternative of Chikungunya, these medicines may cause harmful bleeding. All the time ask a health care provider earlier than taking any painkiller.

How widespread is long-term joint ache and the way is it managed?

Dr Bikramaditya: It is extremely widespread. About 30% to 40% of sufferers proceed to really feel joint ache for weeks and even months after the fever is gone. That is finest managed with light train, bodily remedy and particular medicines prescribed by your physician as soon as the preliminary an infection has handed.

Can it result in critical issues?

Severe issues are uncommon however can occur. In some instances, the virus can have an effect on the eyes, coronary heart, or mind. Sufferers who have already got weak immune programs or different continual ailments have to be additional cautious and keep in contact with their physician.

When ought to a affected person go to the hospital?

Dr Bikramaditya: Most individuals can get well at house, however search hospital care instantly in case you discover:

*The affected person can’t cease vomiting or maintain fluids down.
*Confusion, excessive sleepiness, or fainting.
*A sudden lower in how a lot the affected person urinates.
*A fever that doesn’t come down even after taking paracetamol.

How can we forestall an infection and is there a vaccine?

Dr Bikramaditya:  The easiest way to remain protected is to cease mosquitoes from breeding. Empty any water from containers round your home as soon as per week. Use mosquito nets, put on long-sleeved garments, and apply mosquito repellent lotions on uncovered pores and skin. As of early 2026, whereas some vaccines have been developed globally, there’s presently no vaccine obtainable for normal public use in India. For now, defending your self from mosquito bites is your finest defence.