What is the first line treatment for Mumps?

The first line treatment for mumps is primarily supportive care and fluids. Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, and it typically resolves on its own without the need for antiviral medications or antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections. Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and the management of symptoms such as fever and pain.

Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if they have difficulty swallowing due to swollen salivary glands. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be used to alleviate discomfort. Since mumps is a self-limiting illness, the focus is on providing measures to help the patient recover comfortably while their immune system fights off the virus.

Other treatment options, such as antibiotics, are not applicable since they target bacterial infections and have no effect on a viral infection like mumps. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used for certain viral infections, primarily herpes viruses, and is not indicated for mumps. Antipyretics and steroids are not first-line treatments for mumps; although antipyretics can help manage fever, steroids do not play a standard role in treating this viral infection.