Fact Checked
Mumps is a viral infection affecting the parotid glands which are located below and in front of the ears. It causes swelling in one or both parotid glands. Mumps is a very contagious disease. People can get infected with mumps through contact with nasal discharges or saliva especially when they cough or sneeze. People infected with the mumps virus have either no symptoms or only mild. They usually happen about 2-3 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms of mumps
- Fever
- Headaches
- Engorged, sore salivary glands on one or both sides of the face
- Muscle aches
- Appetite loss
Pain or discomfort when chewing or swallowing. - Weakness and fatigue
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or swallowing
- Joint pain
- Ear pain when chewing
- Mild abdominal pain
- Swollen testicles or breast
Treatment
- Children recover from mumps in about 10-12 days and 1 week for the swelling to lessen in each parotid gland. Among adults, it takes about 16-18 days to be totally healed. If the symptoms become severe, it requires further treatment.
- The person should be isolated from other people. Do not go to school or go to work for at least 5 days after the glands started to swell.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to lessen the discomfort and pain around the face, ear or jaw.
- Apply a warm compress or cold compress on the swollen glands to lessen the inflammation and pain.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid acidic drinks such as fruit juices to prevent further irritation on the swollen glands. Avoid sour foods such as citrus fruits to prevent worsening of the glands.
- Eat foods that do not require plenty of chewing such as soup, oatmeal, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs.
Tips
- The MMR vaccine is the safest and effective vaccine to gain immunity to mumps.
- Maintain good hygiene such as washing hands properly. Regular washing of hands to prevent the spread of germs and mumps.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumps
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mumps/symptoms-causes/syc-20375361