Chikungunya, a growing epidemic and its alternative treatments

Abstract

Introduction: Arboviruses transmitted by the genus Aedes aegypti are one of the leading public health problems today, one of them being the Chikungunya virus, which is presenting a growing portion of this problem. Therefore, looking at other treatment options widens the feasibility of improving the quality of life of those affected by this virus. Objectives: To identify surveys published on current scientific bases that corroborate the benefits of integrative and complementary practices in treating symptoms arising from the chronic phase of chikungunya fever. Methods: Integrative review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, carried out in the health sciences databases Scielo, Google Academic, Pubmed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Lilacs and Scopus. Using keywords “chikungunya”, “BioFAO method”, “acupuncture”, and “ginger”, among other words. Searches in Portuguese, Spanish, and English; as publishings between the years 2015 to 2022. Results: Among the analyzed studies and data it was observed that the treatments addressed in the present review show evidence of benefits in favor of well-being and improvement of the symptoms of the chronic phase of the Chikungunya virus. Conclusion: It is possible to determine that the indication and prescription of complementary treatments such as acupuncture, medicinal plants, and BioFAO homeopathy, can be beneficial in helping to control the symptoms of chikungunya in its chronic phase, as well as promoting improvement in the quality of life of patients afflicted with the chronic pain of Chikungunya fever.