Chikungunya causes high fever for 8 days but its complications do not end after that. The Chikungunya virus itself is not the cause of problems but the complications arising from the weakened immune system are the real cause of its after effects problems. Hardly any case has been reported of death caused by the virus itself. Since it has an adverse impact on the body’s resistance to fight disease, the underlying medical condition of the patient is aggravated.
Some chikunguniya symptoms that do not subside with fever are –
- Acute pain throughout the body
- Sharp pain in the joints with swelling
- Severe headache
- Rashes
- Conjunctivitis
- Mouth ulcers
- Loss of taste
Chikungunya has serious impact on elderly people whose immune system is already weak. Contracting chikungunya can lead to worsening of any of their medical condition and may also lead to paralysis, kidney disorders or mental deterioration.
Complications of chikungunya, whether during the infection or after, need to be controlled in a patient. Chikungunya after effects can last for few weeks. Lots of rest and easily digestible food that builds up immunity is the way to treat a patient in this condition.