Can chikangunya symptoms affect you your entire life and if so to what degree?

Not likely: But It is a wicked virus. The headache, joint and muscle aches are reportedly severe. Most patients recover completely in a week or so.In some people the joint pain lasts months. As with all viruses, those with poor health, are very young or very old have more difficulty recovering.

Chikungunya: Studies show that chikungunya can have long term symptoms in many people - usually musculoskeletal pain or unpredictable relapsing symptoms. This happens more frequently in the older population and those who have rheumatic disease. Most people will have resolution in weeks to 3-5 years, although symptoms 15 years out have been reported.