Ixchiq Vaccine for Chikungunya Virus
Dr. Shawn Binns wants to make sure your travel plans are as safe as can be. Read more to learn about a new vaccine now offered to protect against the mosquito transmitted Chikungunya virus.
As you travel with your families and friends, protecting yourself and your loved ones from illnesses is of the utmost importance. One illness that has been on the rise in recent years is the Chikungunya virus.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.The acute phase of this illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of high fevers and joint pain, though other symptoms such as headache, red eyes, rash, nausea, and vomiting may also be present. These symptoms usually last up to 10 days, but nearly half of those infected can develop chronic muscle and joint pain. These symptoms can be debilitating in nature and last for months or even years.
Chikungunya virus has been reported in over 110 countries to date, most notably in parts of the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia, though this range continues to expand over time. While there is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya virus, a new vaccine called Ixchiq has been approved by the FDA and is available at Spring Valley Pediatrics for patients who will be traveling to high-risk countries.
Ixchiq is a promising new vaccine that has shown high efficacy in clinical trials, providing long-lasting protection against Chikungunya. It is a single-dose live-attenuated vaccine, which works by exposing your immune system to a weakened form of the virus. This stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that can effectively combat the virus if encountered in the future, thus preventing it from causing infection and illness.
At Spring Valley Pediatrics, we are excited to offer Ixchiq to our patients aged 18 and older who will be traveling to regions where chikungunya is prevalent. By getting vaccinated before your trip, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the virus and experiencing its debilitating symptoms. In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important for travelers to take other precautions to prevent mosquito bites while abroad. This includes wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, avoiding/eliminating sources of standing water when possible, and staying in accommodations with screens on windows and doors.
If you have upcoming travel plans, we encourage you to schedule a travel consultation appointment at our office to discuss your travel itinerary and obtain recommended immunizations. By taking proactive measures to protect your family’s health, you can enjoy a safe and worry-free vacation experience.
