The time course analysis presented in Figure 3 supports platelet count as the key distinguishing variable for chikungunya and dengue infections, with the average platelet count scarcely dropping below 200×109/L in patients with chikungunya, but dropping below 100×109/L in dengue infections.
Generally, supportive therapy is recommended to ease the symptoms and some anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen, paracetamol can be of great help. Acetaminophen drug can be used to relieve pain and fever. Taking Acetaminophen will help ease the symptoms and relives the patient from joint pain.
Several methods can be used for diagnosis of chikungunya virus infection. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), may confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies. IgM antibody levels are highest 3 to 5 weeks after the onset of illness and persist for about 2 months.
So, it is pertinent to eat the right food and strengthen immunity.
- Citrus fruits. Food items which are rich in Vitamin C are generally advised for consumption after suffering from chikungunya.
- Coconuts. Coconut is helpful in three departments during chikungunya.
- Homemade dal.
- Soups.
- Green leafy vegetables.
Most people recover fully, with symptoms resolving in three to 10 days. For some people, joint pain may continue for months, or even years. Death from complications of chikungunya is very rare, but the virus sometimes causes severe problems, mostly in older adults with other chronic illnesses.
Chikungunya is rarely fatal. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for 2–3 days. The virus remains in the human system for 5-7 days and mosquitoes feeding on an infected person during this period can also become infected.
Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.
The majority of people infected with chikungunya virus become symptomatic. The incubation period is typically 3–7 days (range, 1–12 days). The disease is most often characterized by acute onset of fever (typically >39°C [102°F]) and polyarthralgia.
Most cases of dengue fever are mild and go away on their own after about a week. Dengue fever rarely strikes in the United States — the last reported outbreak was in Texas in 2005. But if you plan to travel to a foreign country, especially one in the tropics, it's wise to guard against dengue fever.
An overwhelming 75 – 90% of patients acquire dengue fever without any symptoms, not even fever.
There is no vaccine or specific medication for dengue fever. Patients should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains. However, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken since they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Dengue fever usually results in abrupt onset of high fever, headache, myalgias, arthralgias, and generalized lymphadenopathy, followed by a rash that appears with a 2nd temperature rise after an afebrile period. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and rhinorrhea, can occur.
What Is a Viral Infection? A viral infection is a proliferation of a harmful virus inside your body. Viruses cannot reproduce without the assistance of a host. Viruses infect a host by introducing their genetic material into the cells and hijacking the cell's internal machinery to make more virus particles.
For patients presenting during the first week after fever onset, diagnostic testing should include a test for dengue virus (rRT-PCR or NS1) and IgM. For patients presenting >1 week after fever onset, IgM detection is most useful, although NS1 has been reported positive up to 12 days after fever onset (Figure 3-01).
Rash in dengue fever is a maculopapular or macular confluent rash over the face, thorax, and flexor surfaces, with islands of skin sparing. The rash typically begins on day 3 and persists 2-3 days. Fever typically abates with the cessation of viremia.
If you have a viral fever, you might have some of these general symptoms:
- chills.
- sweating.
- dehydration.
- headache.
- muscle aches and pains.
- a feeling of weakness.
- loss of appetite.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain) Nausea, vomiting.
“You've been hearing a lot about chronic illness with reference to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma but Chikungunya also becomes something like that. For two, three or even five years after initial infection, there are reports of serious joint pains and swelling and that reduces their productivity.
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), is a member of the genus Alphavirus, and family Togaviridae.
Like most mosquito-borne infections, the virus can only be transmitted by blood-to-blood contact, through a mosquito bite or transfusion with infected blood. There is no risk of contracting Chikungunya from an infected patient by touching or caring for them.
According to the authors, uncovering the mechanisms for long-term disease could aid in the development of treatments and preventative measures for this incapacitating, virally induced chronic arthritis. Chikungunya virus is spread by mosquitoes and causes severe joint and muscle pain.
Dengue and chikungunya (CHIK) infections appear to be increasing in all parts of India. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and CHIK virus (CHIKV). In areas where both viruses cocirculate, they can be transmitted together.
Can you get chikungunya twice? No, only once. Antibodies in charge of protecting people will develop after preliminary infection. According to current available evidence, immunity should be life-long.
The attack is sudden, sometimes accompanied with rashes. However, in children, the infection causes no symptoms at all.
There is a risk that the virus will be imported to new areas by infected travelers. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
The logic is basic-boost immunity, and foods rich in vitamin c, like oranges, kiwis and guavas do just that. You can even replace these with full meals, because the digestive system of the body during chikungunya is as it is compromised.
It's advisable to go easy on non-vegetarian food as it overwhelms the body system and increases load on the liver. Also, if possible, do avoid eating out. Barley (sattu), pomegranate and soups should be made a part of the diet as they help detoxify the liver.
