What should you know about mumps and treatment?

Mumps is a viral infection, so antibiotics do not treat the virus. Rest, regular fluids, and suitable pain or fever relief can make eating, drinking, and sleeping easier. Soft foods may be more comfortable when the glands near the jaw are swollen. A clinician may assess your symptoms and examine your mouth, neck, ears, and abdomen; testing may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or public-health advice is needed.

Avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, or close face-to-face contact. Stay away from school, work, or group activities for the period advised by a clinician or local health authority. The [Mumps](/conditions/mumps/) page explains the illness in more detail.

Sip fluids often and choose foods that need little chewing. Use a cool or warm compress on tender swelling, whichever feels more soothing. Follow the label or a clinician’s instructions for any medicine, and check before giving medicines to a child. Do not take leftover antibiotics. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if symptoms fit mumps, especially after contact with someone diagnosed with it.

Seek urgent medical help for severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, a seizure, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or sudden testicular pain or swelling. Contact a clinician promptly if fever is persistent, dehydration is developing, symptoms are worsening, or a pregnant person or person with reduced immunity may have been exposed. For background on [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/), use the linked guides.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, how long you should avoid close contact, which pain-relief options suit you, and which warning signs require urgent review. You can also ask whether your household should check their [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) history.