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 serious 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 methods include vaccination and symptomatic therapy. The mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine) effectively prevents infection by stimulating the body to produce antibodies that block the virus from invading cells. Symptomatic treatment involves the use of antipyretics, analgesics, and local cold compresses to reduce fever and swelling of the parotid glands.
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 prevent transmission.
The mumps vaccine is usually administered as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) combined vaccine, given in two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 5 to 6 years old. For symptomatic treatment, antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum 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. Before vaccination, inform your doctor of any allergies. Symptomatic treatments may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to liver or kidney dysfunction.
Contraindications include allergy to vaccine components, ongoing immunosuppressive therapy, and pregnancy. Post-vaccination observation for 30 minutes is necessary to monitor for acute allergic reactions. Immunocompromised patients should avoid live attenuated vaccines and instead receive antiviral support therapy.
Vaccination should be spaced at least 4 weeks apart from other injectable vaccines to avoid interference with immune responses. When used concurrently with immunoglobulins, injections should be administered at separate sites and vaccination timing delayed. Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants may reduce vaccine efficacy; inform your doctor of current medications.
According to WHO data, two doses of the MMR vaccine provide over 88% protection. Clinical studies show that timely symptomatic treatment can shorten the disease course by approximately 3-5 days and reduce complication rates 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 foods, and cold compresses to relieve local swelling and pain.
Antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir) should be taken strictly according to medical advice, typically 2-3 times daily. Maintain adequate hydration during treatment. If side effects like rash or nausea occur, inform your doctor immediately. Do not stop or adjust the dosage without medical guidance. Rest is recommended to reduce the risk of complications.
What antipyretic medications 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. Pay attention to dosing, especially in children based on weight, and avoid combining with other medications containing similar ingredients.
How to handle orchitis complications in 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 activities. Use scrotal support to reduce pressure and monitor for persistent or worsening fever.
What foods should be avoided during treatment?Avoid acidic foods (such as citrus and vinegar) and hard foods to reduce pain during salivary gland secretion. Cold compresses or soft foods (like porridge or fruit purees) can help relieve swelling. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection.
What follow-up is needed after recovery from mumps?Within 2-4 weeks after recovery, follow-up examinations of liver function and hearing are recommended, especially in children, to check for potential hearing damage caused by mumps. If corticosteroids were used during treatment, your doctor may schedule bone density or blood sugar monitoring to assess long-term effects of medication.
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