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Bone Flu, Here's the Explanation

Pain in the joints and fever, sometimes interpreted as bone flu. However, there is no definitive explanation about this type of disease. Actually, what is meant by bone flu? In the medical world there is actually no such thing as bone flu. However, some diseases, such as Chikungunya and osteomelitis, are not infrequently referred to as bone flu. To find out why the two diseases are often considered bone flu, it helps you recognize both types of the disease.

Understanding Chikungunya Disease

Chikungunya is caused by a virus that is transmitted from mosquitoes that have been infected to humans. Mosquitoes that can transmit this virus are Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Chikungunya is sometimes also classified into rheumatic viruses because of their effect on the joints. Chikungunya is often considered a bone flu because it affects joints. Alphavirus genus virus transmitted by mosquitoes, can make someone infected experience several symptoms such as:
  • Fever of up to 400 Celsius and swollen joints.
  • Feeling fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, nausea, and skin rashes.
  • Pain in the joints of the ankles, lower back, knees, between the finger bones, or wrists.
These symptoms can generally last for about 3 days. Although rarely fatal, the virus can remain in the body for about 7 days. During this time, other mosquitoes that bite the patient can also become infected with the virus that causes chikungunya. Those who have been infected will have lifelong immunity against chikungunya.

Recognizing Osteomelitis

In contrast to Chikungunya, osteomelitis which is a bone infection caused by bacteria that attack the bones. Not only adults, children can also get this disease. Usually, the part of the infected bone is bone that has a long size, such as leg and arm bones in children, as well as leg bones, pelvis, and spine in adults. This condition occurs when the body is infected with several types of organisms or bacteria. One of them is Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect certain parts of the bone. This infection can also spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the bone. Bacteria or organisms that cause osteomelitis can enter the body in a variety of ways, from deep wounds, bone fracture repair operations (fractured or broken bones), or hip replacement surgery. Osteomelitis is usually characterized by several symptoms, such as:
  • Pain in the infected part and the appearance of reddish spots, accompanied by fever and chills.
  • Feeling unwell, the infected part will appear dry, swollen, stiff or paralyzed.
  • Fever and pain in the part of the bone that is part of the symptoms of this disease makes it sometimes interpreted as bone flu.
If you experience symptoms that are considered bone flu, you should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will carry out the checks needed to diagnose your actual condition, and determine the appropriate treatment.

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