Are you experiencing a fever accompanied by severe joint or bone pain? It could be what's known as "bone flu." While not an official medical term, bone flu is often used to describe the symptoms of certain infections that trigger pain in the bones and joints.
Bone flu can be caused by viral infections, such as chikungunya, or bacterial and fungal infections that attack bone tissue, such as osteomyelitis. This condition can be short-lived or long-lasting and typically affects long bones such as the thighs and arms.
Causes of Bone Flu
While not an official medical diagnosis, the term "bone flu" is often used to describe symptoms of severe joint or bone pain accompanied by fever. The following health conditions are often associated with similar symptoms:
1. Chikungunya
This viral infection from the Togaviridae family is transmitted through mosquito bites and causes high fever and sudden joint pain. This prolonged ache is often mistaken for bone flu.
2. Parvovirus B19 infection
Parvovirus B19 is a virus that can cause joint pain and rashes in adults. Symptoms typically resemble the flu, especially during the changing seasons. Because the joint pain can be quite severe and felt in the wrists, knees, or fingers, this infection is sometimes mistaken for bone flu.
3. Osteomyelitis
This bacterial (or fungal) infection of the bone can cause severe pain, fever, and swelling. Osteomyelitis is serious and requires immediate medical attention.
4. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
The dengue virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. While chikungunya is better known for causing long-term joint pain, dengue fever carries a risk of more severe complications and requires special attention.
Bone Flu Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms often experienced by bone flu sufferers:
- High fever, can reach 39-40°C.
- A severe pain sensation can be felt in joint areas such as the knees, back, or wrists.
- Swelling in the joints, which makes movement feel stiff or painful.
- Extreme fatigue, accompanied by headaches, nausea, and sometimes a skin rash.
- Muscle pain, especially around the arms and legs.
How to Treat Bone Flu
Most cases of bone flu, especially those caused by viral infections such as chikungunya, can resolve on their own within a few days to weeks.
However, to relieve symptoms and speed up recovery, you can do the following:
- Take pain relievers and fever relievers, as directed by your doctor.
- Get complete rest, so that the body has enough energy to fight infection.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and aid the healing process.
Do I Need to See a Doctor?
Bone flu isn't an official medical term, but its symptoms often resemble those of more serious illnesses like chikungunya or osteomyelitis. Both conditions can cause severe pain and fever, and carry the risk of complications if not treated promptly.
Therefore, any symptoms that arise should not be taken lightly. See a doctor immediately if the fever persists and the joint pain worsens. A medical examination will help the doctor determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Relying on self-medication without a clear diagnosis can actually delay recovery. Therefore, don't hesitate to seek medical advice if your symptoms don't improve.
The article has been reviewed by Dr. Karisa Kartika Sukotjo, Sp.OT (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, EMC Tangerang & Sentul Hospital).