What should you know about mumps causes and symptoms?

Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva, including during close conversation, coughing, sneezing, or sharing items that touch the mouth. The illness may begin with tiredness, headache, reduced appetite, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever. Swelling of one or both salivary glands beside the cheeks and jaw can then make chewing or swallowing uncomfortable.

A [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) page describes this symptom in general. A swollen gland has many possible causes; a symptom alone does not establish mumps. A clinician considers the pattern, exposure history, vaccination record, and examination findings.

Rest, drink regularly, and choose soft foods if chewing hurts. Avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, or cigarettes, and reduce close contact while you arrange advice. Do not attend group settings if mumps is suspected until a clinician or health authority tells you it is appropriate. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for assessment, especially after known exposure.

Seek urgent help for severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or sudden testicular pain or swelling. Contact a clinician promptly for worsening swelling, dehydration, persistent [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), or symptoms during pregnancy or reduced immunity. Do not try to confirm mumps from symptoms alone.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long to avoid close contact, which symptom-relief medicines are suitable, and whether household members should review their [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) history.