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The Unprofessional Guide to chikungunya
The Unprofessional Guide to Chikungunya — What You Need to Know, What to Expect, and How to Cope — A Plain-Language Guide for Patients and Caregivers (For Informational Purposes Only, Not Medical Advice)
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: What Is chikungunya, Really?
Important notice: This guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you read in this guide.
First, take a breath. Seriously. If you are reading this, you have just been handed a word that you probably cannot pronounce (it sounds like "chicken-GOON-ya," by the way, and no one will judge you if you just call it "chik" to your friends), and that word has been attached to your name. You are in pain, you are tired, you are confused, and you are probably scared. All of that is completely reasonable.
So let's start with the single most important thing you need to know: chikungunya is not a death sentence, it is not a permanent life sentence in a wheelchair, and it is not a mystery. It is a virus. It is a really annoying, painful, sometimes long-lasting virus, but it is a virus that your body has the tools to fight. It has been around for a long time, and humans have survived it — not always quickly, not always gracefully, but they survive.
Now, what does that actually mean? What is this thing that has invaded your body and made your joints feel like they are full of broken glass?
Chikungunya is a virus that belongs to a family called Togaviridae