What should you know about mumps?

The infection affects the salivary glands, especially the glands in front of and below the ears. One or both sides may swell, making chewing or swallowing uncomfortable. Fever, headache, muscle aches and reduced appetite can occur before or alongside swollen glands. Some infected people have mild symptoms or none.

Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva, including during close contact. A clinician may consider the symptoms, exposure history and vaccination history, then arrange testing when appropriate. Because other infections can also cause swollen glands, swelling alone cannot confirm mumps.

Contact a GP for advice if mumps is possible, and mention symptoms before attending so the clinic can reduce exposure to others. Rest, drink fluids and choose soft foods if chewing hurts. Use fever or pain medicine only as directed for the person’s age and health conditions.

Avoid close contact, sharing cups or utensils and group settings while advised by a clinician. Check vaccination records with a healthcare professional; MMR vaccination protects against mumps and helps prevent spread, but it is not a treatment for an active infection.

Arrange prompt medical advice for suspected mumps, especially after contact with a case or when vaccination is incomplete. Seek urgent help for severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, testicular pain or marked dehydration.

Ask whether your symptoms fit mumps, whether testing is needed, how long to stay away from school or work, and how to protect household members. Ask whether your vaccination record needs updating and which symptoms should trigger urgent review.