How To Treat Chikungunya Virus

Chikungunya virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes. It is found mainly in tropical areas, such as South Asia and the Caribbean. Americans and Europeans sometimes contract the disease after traveling in regions where mosquitoes carrying this virus live. Though this disease rarely kills, it has debilitating symptoms and can cause pain that lingers long after the body has fought off the virus. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for chikungunya virus; the only way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. However, there are many ways to relieve symptoms and aid recovery.

Plenty Of Rest

The most important thing for any chikungunya virus infection patient to do is to get plenty of rest. Due to the symptoms this virus causes, it is difficult to get out of bed anyway. Severe pain, nausea, and fatigue will keep anyone bedbound, though chikungunya virus also makes it incredibly difficult to sleep. Nevertheless, getting enough rest is crucial. Without medications to help, the immune system must be energized to fight off this ugly disease. The worst symptoms of the disease can last for a few days or over a week. Resting and sleeping can have a major impact on the duration of this acute phase of the disease. The body needs adequate energy to expel the virus and make a fast recovery.

Keep reading to reveal more ways to treat and manage a chikungunya virus infection.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

The best treatment is prevention! Since mosquitoes transmit chikungunya virus, the most important thing individuals can do to avoid getting the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. If you are traveling in a region known to have mosquitoes that carry chikungunya virus, it is essential to come prepared. Try to wear clothing that covers most of your skin. Never go outside without mosquito spray, even if you are wearing long sleeves; mosquitoes can occasionally bite through fabric. Make sure the buildings you stay in have screens over the windows, and there aren't any places for mosquitoes to get in. Keep the air conditioning on, and do not leave standing water anywhere.

Most individuals know a few tips to keep the bugs away, but you have to be especially vigilant when mosquitoes that carry chikungunya virus may be present. If you do get infected with chikungunya virus, it is important to avoid getting more mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an individual who is infected with chikungunya virus, it becomes infected and can give the virus to the next individual it bites.

Continue for more on how to treat a chikungunya virus infection effectively.