Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and pain in the cheeks and jaw.
Treatment Of Mumps
There is no specific treatment for mumps, but the following measures may be used to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications:
- Rest: Children with mumps should rest at home and avoid contact with others for at least five days after the onset of symptoms.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used to relieve pain and fever.
- Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the swollen glands can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Soft diet: Children with mumps should eat a soft diet, such as soups and soft-boiled eggs, to avoid irritating the swollen glands.
- Isolation: Children with mumps should be isolated from others, especially those who are not immune to mumps, to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Vaccination: Mumps can be prevented by vaccination, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most common vaccine used.
It’s important to note that mumps is highly contagious and can be serious in some cases, especially in children who have not been vaccinated, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect that your child has mumps.
Symptoms of Mumps
The symptoms of mumps typically appear 2-3 weeks after infection and can include:
- Swelling and pain in the salivary glands, which are located below the ears and in front of the jaw. This is the most characteristic symptom of mumps and the most common reason why people seek medical attention.
- Fever, which can be high and last for several days.
- Headaches
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pain while swallowing
- Earache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- A rash on the skin
It’s important to note that not all people infected with mumps will have symptoms, and some people may have very mild symptoms. Also, the swelling of the glands may occur on one or both sides. Mumps can also cause complications such as inflammation of the brain, testicles, ovaries, pancreas and other organs, but these are relatively uncommon. If you suspect that your child has mumps, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.
Mumps (MMR) Vaccine
The mumps vaccine is a component of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the first dose given between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the second dose given between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps. It is estimated to be 88% effective after one dose, and about 78% after two doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all children receive the MMR vaccine as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule.
The vaccine is considered to be safe and side effects are usually mild. Some of the common side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, fever, and a mild rash. Serious side effects are rare.
It’s important to note that while the MMR vaccine is considered to be safe and effective, it is not 100% effective and some people who are vaccinated may still get mumps, but the symptoms are usually milder and less likely to cause complications.
It’s also important to note that the CDC recommends a third dose of the MMR vaccine for people who are at an increased risk of mumps, such as people who are in an outbreak area and people who are in a group that is at an increased risk of mumps, such as students in post-high school educational institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
Mumps Caused by
Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which is a member of the Paramyxovirus family. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions from an infected person. The virus can also spread through shared items such as cups or utensils.
After a person is infected with the virus, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for symptoms to appear. During this time, the person is considered to be contagious and can spread the virus to others.
Anyone who is not immune to mumps is at risk of contracting the disease. However, people who are most at risk of contracting mumps include:
- Children and adults who have not been vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
- People who live in crowded conditions, such as dormitories or barracks, where the virus can spread easily
- People who have close contact with someone who has mumps
- People who travel to areas where mumps is common
It’s important to note that while the mumps vaccine is considered to be safe and effective, it is not 100% effective and some people who are vaccinated may still get mumps, but the symptoms are usually milder and less likely to cause complications.