Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya fever. If you have chikungunya fever, your doctor will likely recommend symptomatic treatment, which includes:
- Rest.
- Drinking plenty of fluids such as oral rehydration solution, fresh juice, soups, and coconut water to prevent dehydration due to vomiting and high fever.
- Medications to reduce fever (antipyretics) such as acetaminophen.
- Tepid sponging to reduce fever.
- Medications to reduce body pain such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol. Aspirin should be avoided.
Patients with chikungunya fever should also avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes to prevent transmission of infection to others. It is a debilitating but non-fatal disease, and the body’s immune system can typically cure the infection in most cases. Immunity after the infection usually lasts lifelong, making reinfection very rare.
According to a recent study, chloroquine may be effective for arthritis-like symptoms that are not relieved by aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, further studies are needed before it can be recommended as a standard treatment for arthritis-like symptoms in chikungunya fever.
Homeopathic experts suggest there are effective drugs for chikungunya treatment in homeopathy. These medications can prevent and hasten recovery from chikungunya. Some of the homeopathic medicines used for chikungunya fever treatment are eupatorium perf, pyroginum, rhus-tox, cedron, influenzinum, China, and Arnica. If you intend to take homeopathic medications for chikungunya fever, it’s essential to consult a homeopathic professional rather than attempting self-treatment.