What to Do for Chikungunya: A Complete Treatment and Prevention Guide

If you have Chikungunya, it cannot be treated with any medicine or vaccine, but for this you can do the following first aid -

• It is very important to rest in Chikungunya so that our body can put its full strength to fight the disease. Rest in a place where there is neither too much humidity nor too much heat, otherwise your joint problem may increase. 
• Drink as much water as possible to prevent dehydration in the body. You can also drink juice if you want. 
• If you are in a lot of pain, you can also apply cold compress on the affected area. For this you can also use an ice pack or you can also keep a frozen packet of peas in that area. However, whatever object you use, do not keep it directly on your skin. Doing this can harm your skin. You can use cold compress even if there is swelling. 
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites for a week after getting Chikungunya. During this time, the virus is present in the blood and if a mosquito bites you, then that mosquito can spread the disease by biting other people. 
• Garlic is considered a good remedy for joint pain and swelling. For this you will need garlic and water. Take 10 to 12 cloves of garlic and peel and chop them. Now mix it with water and make a paste. You have to apply this paste on your joints. Doing this also improves blood circulation. 

It is also important to do some exercise in Chikungunya, otherwise the pain in your joints and muscles can increase. If possible, get your physiotherapy done by a therapist. You can also do exercises at home to relieve muscle spasms around the joints. To do the exercise-

• Stand up and join your feet. Now lift your heels up and then lower them. Repeat this process again and again. 
• Sit on a chair and keep one of your legs straight in front for 10-15 seconds. Now place the foot on the ground. Repeat the same process with your other leg and do this exercise 3 to 4 times a day. 
• Consuming turmeric is also very beneficial in chikungunya. For this, mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder well in a glass of hot milk so that it does not form lumps. Now drink this milk lightly hot or lukewarm. For better results, take one glass of this milk during the day and one glass at night before sleeping. 
• Chikungunya can cause dryness and rashes in your skin. These do not require any special treatment, but you can apply moisturizer or calamine lotion to reduce itching and moisturize the skin.
• You can also take antihistamines for skin itching. However, be careful while taking these medicines as they can make you sleepy. 
• If you are in a lot of pain, you can take painkillers. Paracetamol can be taken for fever. Do not take these medicines if you already have liver or kidney disease. Do not take aspirin or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID's) medicines in chikungunya. Consult your doctor before taking any medicine and also tell them about your existing medicines. 
• You can also grind oats and add them to your bath water to soothe the skin. This will give you a lot of relief from skin problems caused by chikungunya. 
• There are many creams and lotions available for the skin in the market, but not every product is beneficial for you, so before applying anything on the skin, ask your doctor. 
• Coconut water is very beneficial for the Chikungunya virus. It cleanses the liver and the patient recovers quickly. Apart from this, joint pain and swelling are also cured by coconut water. Drinking 4 to 5 glasses of coconut water a day can be beneficial for you. 

(Read more - Chikungunya Test)

You usually do not need to go to the doctor for Chikungunya, as it is cured with some easy home remedies and methods. However, in some rare cases, it can be fatal, so you must visit your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• High fever for more than 4-5 days. 
• Low urination. 
• Traveling to an area where chikungunya is prevalent. 
• Bleeding from the skin. 
• Pain, redness, swelling or stiffness in the joints. 
• Dizziness. 
• Skin rashes. 
• Bleeding from the mouth. 
• Severe pain in the rashes.
• Cold hands or feet. 

Note: You should take training before giving first aid. If you or someone around you has any kind of emergency health problem, contact a doctor or hospital immediately. This article is for information only.

Read More - (First aid for viral fever)

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection, which mainly causes symptoms like fever, joint pain, fatigue and skin rashes. There is no specific treatment for it, but the symptoms can be managed with the right care and treatment. The affected person should rest and consume more fluids so that the body remains hydrated. Medicines like paracetamol can be used on the advice of a doctor to reduce fever and pain. Use of mosquito nets, wearing clothes that cover the body and use of mosquito repellents are necessary to avoid mosquitoes.

Maintain hygiene, prevent water accumulation and eliminate mosquito breeding sites to avoid infection. If the symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, consult a doctor immediately. With proper care and preventive measures, the impact of chikungunya can be reduced.