What is the main treatment for mumps?

The main treatment for mumps focuses on supportive care and anti-inflammatories, which help alleviate symptoms and promote comfort as the illness resolves itself. Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, and there is no specific antiviral therapy available to treat the infection directly. The management typically includes symptomatic relief through the use of over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and ease discomfort associated with swollen salivary glands.

Hydration is also crucial, and while intravenous fluids might be necessary in certain severe cases of dehydration, this is not the primary treatment approach for mumps. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, including mumps, and are reserved for treating secondary bacterial infections that could arise due to the viral illness. Thus, supportive care remains the cornerstone of mumps management, allowing the body's immune system to recover from the viral attack.