5. Fatigue: Chikungunya’s Lingering Shadow
With all the symptoms described above, it’s hardly surprising that fatigue is a significant component of Chikungunya. But it’s not just the usual tiredness; it’s an all-consuming, overwhelming sense of exhaustion. This isn’t just about feeling sleepy; it’s about a lack of energy to even perform daily tasks.
It begins with the onset of fever. As the body’s temperature rises and the immune system goes into overdrive, energy reserves are quickly depleted. But it’s not just about the physical drain; the psychological impact of being bedridden, combined with high fever and pain, further accentuates the fatigue.
One might wonder why fatigue is so pronounced with Chikungunya. Apart from the direct impact of the virus, there’s also the fact that high fever, joint and muscle pain make restful sleep elusive. And when the body doesn’t get its required rest, fatigue sets in even more deeply.
Towards the recovery phase, as other symptoms start to recede, fatigue might still cling on. This phase is crucial. It’s a reminder to the individual that while they might be on the path to recovery, the body still needs time to heal and rejuvenate completely. (5)
