If you have come home from a trip with aching joints that just will not seem to settle, you may be wondering what is going on. Chikungunya is known for causing aching, swollen joints that can linger for weeks, and sometimes even months, after the fever has gone. So why can the pain stick around for so long? We look at what causes lingering chikungunya joint pain, the symptoms to look out for, and how a chikungunya vaccine can lower your risk before you travel.
What Is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes, most commonly picked up while travelling in parts of Asia, Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, the Caribbean and South America. It is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which bites mainly during daylight hours. The infection is rarely fatal, but it can cause ongoing joint problems, so it is worth understanding your options, including our chikungunya vaccination service, before you travel.
What Are the Symptoms of Chikungunya?
The main chikungunya symptoms are a sudden, high fever and severe joint pain, often in the hands, wrists, ankles and knees. Other symptoms include a rash, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue and nausea. Symptoms usually begin four to eight days after a bite and settle within one to two weeks, though the joint pain can last much longer.
Why Does Chikungunya Joint Pain Sometimes Last for Months?
Chikungunya joint pain sometimes lasts for months because the virus can trigger a prolonged inflammatory response in the joints, even after it has cleared from the bloodstream. For some people, this shows up as ongoing stiffness, swelling or pain that flares weeks or months after the original infection, occasionally continuing for a year or more. Older adults and those with pre-existing joint conditions tend to be more affected, though it can happen to anyone.
Is There a Chikungunya Vaccine?
Yes, two chikungunya vaccines are now licensed for use in the UK for travellers at higher risk of exposure, such as those visiting outbreak areas or staying long term where the virus circulates. If you are weighing up other jabs, our guide to the yellow fever vaccine booster is a useful next read.
Chikungunya Vaccine and Pregnancy
The chikungunya vaccine is not currently recommended during pregnancy, as safety data in this group remains limited. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, speak with a pharmacist about timing your travel vaccinations.
Chikungunya Vaccine for Children
One of the two licensed vaccines can be considered for those aged twelve and over, while the other is reserved for adults. Your pre-travel consultation can help confirm which option is suitable for your family.
Managing Chikungunya Symptoms
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, so management focuses on rest, hydration and appropriate pain relief while your body recovers. The NHS has further advice on preventing and managing insect bites while travelling. If joint pain persists well beyond a few weeks, speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than waiting it out.
Getting Ready to Travel?
Planning a trip soon? Getting your travel vaccinations sorted before you go can help you feel more prepared. Touchwood Pharmacy offers private chikungunya vaccinations with support from our GPhC registered pharmacist team. Book your chikungunya vaccination with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch chikungunya more than once?
It is uncommon. Most people who recover develop long-term immunity, though rare reinfections have been reported.
How long does chikungunya joint pain usually last?
For most people, it settles within a few weeks, but for some it continues for months, and occasionally longer.
Is the chikungunya vaccine safe during pregnancy?
It is not currently recommended in pregnancy. Speak with a pharmacist about the best timing for your travel vaccinations.
Can children have the chikungunya vaccine?
One of the two licensed vaccines suits those aged twelve and over. A consultation can help confirm what is suitable for your child.
How soon before travel should I be vaccinated?
It is worth booking a travel health consultation a few weeks before departure, to allow time for the vaccine to take effect.
Is the chikungunya vaccine available on the NHS?
It is not routinely available on the NHS for travel purposes, though it can be accessed privately through pharmacies and travel clinics.
