The treatment of mumps primarily focuses on symptom relief and prevention of complications. This disease is caused by the mumps virus, with common symptoms including swelling of the parotid glands, fever, and headache. The goal of treatment is to alleviate patient discomfort and reduce the risk of severe complications such as orchitis and meningitis. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs that directly eradicate the virus, so treatment mainly involves supportive care and symptom management.
The main treatment options include vaccination and symptomatic therapy. The mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine) effectively prevents infection by stimulating the body to produce antibodies that block viral invasion of cells. Symptomatic treatment involves the use of antipyretics, analgesics, and local cold compresses to reduce fever and parotid swelling.
Indications include prevention for unvaccinated individuals and symptom control for infected patients. The vaccine is suitable for children over 1 year old, while symptomatic treatment applies to patients of all ages. During outbreaks, high-risk groups who have been exposed to infected individuals (such as unvaccinated persons) should receive immediate vaccination to halt transmission.
The mumps vaccine is usually administered as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) combined vaccine, given in two doses: the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 5-6 years old. For symptomatic treatment, antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended every 4-6 hours, with the total daily dose not exceeding the recommended amount.
The vaccine may cause mild reactions such as redness, swelling at the injection site, and low-grade fever, occurring in about 10-15% of cases. Rarely, severe allergic reactions like anaphylactic shock may occur. It is essential to inform the healthcare provider of any allergies before vaccination. Symptomatic treatment may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could cause liver or kidney function abnormalities.
Contraindications include allergy to vaccine components, ongoing immunosuppressive therapy, and pregnancy. Post-vaccination observation for 30 minutes is recommended to monitor for acute allergic reactions. Immunodeficient patients should avoid live attenuated vaccines and opt for antiviral supportive therapy instead.
Vaccinations should be spaced at least 4 weeks apart from other injectable vaccines to avoid interference with immune responses. When administered concurrently with immunoglobulins, injections should be given at separate sites and the timing of vaccination delayed. Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants may reduce vaccine efficacy; patients should inform their healthcare provider of current medications.
According to WHO data, individuals who have completed two doses of the MMR vaccine have over 88% protection. Clinical studies show that timely symptomatic treatment can shorten the disease course by approximately 3-5 days and reduce the incidence of complications by 40%. Since the implementation of vaccination programs, global mumps cases have decreased by over 95%.
Unvaccinated individuals can receive immunoglobulin injections for temporary protection, which lasts about 3 weeks. In cases of orchitis or meningitis, corticosteroids or antibiotics may be used. Supportive care includes adequate hydration, soft diets, and cold compresses to alleviate swelling and pain in the parotid region.
Antiviral medications (such as acyclovir) should be taken strictly according to medical advice, usually 2-3 times daily. Maintain adequate hydration during treatment. If side effects such as rash or nausea occur, notify your doctor immediately. Do not stop or adjust the medication dosage on your own. Rest is recommended during treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
What antipyretic drugs can be used during mumps fever?It is recommended to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain. Aspirin should be avoided due to the risk of Reye syndrome. When taking antipyretics, pay attention to proper dosing, especially in children based on weight, and avoid combining with other medications containing similar ingredients.
How to handle orchitis caused by mumps?If adult males experience unilateral testicular swelling and pain, seek immediate medical attention and receive corticosteroid or pain relief treatment. During treatment, avoid sexual activity and strenuous exercise. Use scrotal support to reduce pressure, and monitor whether fever persists or worsens.
What foods should be avoided during treatment?Avoid acidic foods (such as citrus fruits and vinegar) and hard foods to reduce pain during salivary gland secretion. Cold compresses or soft foods (such as porridge or fruit purees) are recommended to alleviate swelling, and maintaining oral hygiene helps prevent infection.
What follow-up care is needed after recovering from mumps?Follow-up visits within 2-4 weeks are necessary to check liver function and hearing, especially in children, as mumps can cause hearing impairment. If corticosteroids were used during treatment, doctors may schedule bone density or blood sugar monitoring to assess long-term medication effects.
%201.svg)
Copyright © 2025 MedFrontiers. All Rights Reserved.
