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Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection of the parotid glands, which are located near the ears and produce saliva. 
The usual symptoms are:
- swelling and pain in the parotid glands
- it will be painful to chew and swallow
- fever
- headache
- earache
- poor appetite
Mumps is spread by coughing and sneezing the virus into the air. It takes from 14 to 21 days for symptoms to show, and lasts around 7 to 10 days. As it is very infectious it is better to avoid anyone who has not been immunised against mumps for at least 5 days after diagnosis
Because mumps is a virus, antibiotics offer no benefit, it is simply a case of waiting for the body's immune system to clear the virus. Paracetamol can be taken to help with the pain and fever
Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but you may wish to avoid fruit juices which encourage the parotid glands to make more saliva, which will can be painful
Mumps is usually a relatively mild illness in childhood, but complications can occur, particularly in adults:
- swollen testicles (in men)
- swollen ovaries (in women)
- deafness
- inflammation of the lining of the brain (encephalitis or meningitis)
- inflammation of the pancreas
- increased risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy
If you suspect one of these complications seek medical advice from your doctor
Mumps immunisation
Immunisation is offered to all children in the UK and is part of the MMR
(Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, which is given twice. Many people born between 1982 and 1990 will only have received one MMR immunisation
as routine - if you have not received both
the required doses you should make an appointment with one of our practice nurses for MMR vaccination
Source: LSMP
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