What is mumps? Symptoms, vaccine, treatment and signs in adults
MUMPS is a highly contagious viral infection that causes severe swelling of the face and neck.
Despite it being rare, cases of the illness have reached a decade high in England - here are the signs and symptoms to look out for.
What is mumps and is it infectious?
According to the NHS, "mumps is a contagious viral infection" which causes painful swellings to develop on the side of the face beneath the parotid glands.
Swelling can be noticed beneath the ears, which can make it difficult to swallow.
Mumps sufferers will usually have the infection for around 21 to 32 days, but symptoms are only visible from three to seven days.
The infection can spread in the same why you would pick up cold and flu, as the contaminated saliva droplets are transferred from person to person.
The MMR vaccine is a "safe and effective" vaccine that protects against the disease.
Despite this data from Public Health England (PHE) shows that there were 5,042 lab-confirmed cases of mumps in England in 2019, compared to 1,066 cases in 2018.
These are the highest levels in a decade with experts warning that people have two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR).
The viral infection can be easily confused with other illnesses, and singer Michael Buble previously mistook the signs of cancer in his baby boy for mumps.
What are the symptoms of mumps in adults and children?
According to the NHS information, before the face swells up, victims of mumps may experience the following symptoms…
- headache
- joint pain
- feeling sick
- dry mouth
- mild abdominal pain
- feeling tired
- loss of appetite
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F), or above
Even though the symptoms can be uncomfortable and painful, they should clear up in a week and shouldn’t leave behind any serious side-effects.
When should you seek medical advice for mumps?
If you are battling these symptoms, or notice painful swelling below your ears, it’s important to phone your local GP.
This then allows them to make provisions at the surgery, which will prevent the infection spreading to other patients.
It’s always advisable to ask a medical professional, as while the majority of mumps cases clear up with time, there have been instances where the infection has developed into meningitis.
What treatment is available for mumps?
To prevent a loved one, especially children, catching mumps, it is advisable to give them the MMR vaccine.
This covers mumps, measles and rubella and is part of the routine NHS childhood immunisation schedule.
Usually children are given one dose when they are about 12-13 months and a second booster before they start school.
Once both doses have been given the vaccine provides 95 per cent protection against mumps.
More health explainers
There is no cure for mumps, but the infection does clear up in under two weeks.
Doctors can advise treatment that will reduce the severity of symptoms.
It’s important to get plenty of rest and flush out your system with lots of water.
Taking painkillers can be a way of banishing any aches and applying a compress to swollen glands can provide some relief.