From the Research
The recommended treatment for viral myositis primarily focuses on supportive care while the body fights the viral infection. Rest is essential to allow the inflamed muscles to heal, along with adequate hydration and nutrition. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) or NSAIDs like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) can help manage muscle pain and reduce inflammation. For severe cases, prescription-strength NSAIDs or short courses of corticosteroids like prednisone (typically 20-40mg daily for 5-7 days with tapering) may be considered, as suggested by 1. Physical therapy might be beneficial during recovery to restore muscle strength and function. Antiviral medications are generally not effective unless the myositis is caused by specific viruses like influenza (where oseltamivir 75mg twice daily for 5 days may help if started within 48 hours of symptom onset) 2. Most cases of viral myositis resolve within 1-2 weeks with proper rest and symptomatic treatment. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond this timeframe, further medical evaluation is necessary to rule out other conditions or complications.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of viral myositis include:
- The importance of rest and hydration in allowing the body to recover from the infection
- The use of over-the-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs to manage muscle pain and inflammation
- The potential benefits of physical therapy in restoring muscle strength and function
- The limited role of antiviral medications in the treatment of viral myositis, except in cases where the infection is caused by a specific virus like influenza
- The need for further medical evaluation if symptoms worsen or persist beyond the expected timeframe, as suggested by 3 and 4.
It's also important to note that the treatment of viral myositis may vary depending on the underlying cause of the infection, and that some cases may require more aggressive treatment, such as hospitalization and supportive care, as mentioned in 5. However, in general, the focus of treatment is on supportive care and managing symptoms, rather than targeting the underlying viral infection directly.