Incubation period
The incubation period is the time between infection with the virus causing Bornholm disease and the onset of symptoms. It is usually between one and two weeks. However, it can vary depending on various factors.
These include the amount of virus transmitted and the immune status of the person affected. For example, if the immune system is weakened by another disease, the symptoms may appear earlier after infection, so the incubation period is shorter. In some cases, it can even be as short as 2 days. Conversely, the incubation period can also be longer and even last up to 35 days if only a small amount of transmitted virus is present. In children, who are preferably infected by the viruses, the incubation period is often several days.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Bornholm disease is based, among other things, on the typical symptoms, but above all on the detection of the virus in the body. Stool samples, pharyngeal rinsing water or even the spinal fluid are suitable for this purpose. However, the latter is not usually used. In the samples, the viruses can be detected directly or certain antibodies that the body has produced as a defence reaction to the virus can be detected. In the process of diagnosis, possible differential diagnoses, such as illness caused by another virus, must also be excluded.
Duration/forecast
The duration of Bornholm disease is usually about one week, but this can vary between 4 and 13 days. The prognosis for the disease is good, as complications are rare and the symptoms are often not too severe. However, it is important to pay attention to possible complications and to recognise any initial signs early on.
Treatment/therapy of Bornholm disease
The treatment of Bornholm disease is symptomatic. This means that the virus is not directly combated with medication. The reason for this is the fact that there are no effective drugs that can fight the virus directly.
However, since Bornholm disease is usually self-limiting and the symptoms disappear after a few days to a maximum of weeks, a purely symptomatic therapy is sufficient. Depending on the type and severity of the symptoms, antipyretics and analgesics can be given to reduce fever. These include paracetamol and ibuprofen, for example.
In the case of digestive disorders, supportive medication can also be given, such as Imodium for diarrhoea. Local warmth in the form of compresses can be helpful to relieve pain in the chest area. In addition, patients should also remain bed-ridden during Bornholm Disease. Sufficient hygienic measures should be taken to avoid transmission of the virus.
