Mumps day by day: what to expect

Early symptoms may resemble a general viral illness, including headache, reduced appetite and a raised temperature. Swelling of the salivary glands beside the cheeks or below the ears can appear later, sometimes on one side before the other. The face or jaw may feel tender when chewing or opening the mouth. Some people have mild illness or no obvious swelling, so the pattern is not identical for everyone.

Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva. A person can pass it on before the swelling is obvious, which is why suspected infection deserves prompt advice and sensible separation from close contacts.

Rest, drink regularly and choose soft foods if chewing hurts. Follow medicine-label instructions or a clinician’s advice for fever or discomfort; do not give aspirin to children unless a clinician has specifically advised it. Avoid sharing cups, cutlery or towels, wash hands often and stay away from school, work or crowded settings while advised by a clinician. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if mumps is suspected. Review [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) status with a healthcare professional.

Seek urgent medical help for severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain or sudden testicular pain and swelling. Contact a clinician promptly if fever persists, drinking becomes difficult, urine is much less frequent, or symptoms worsen after initial improvement. A clinician can assess whether the illness is [Mumps](/conditions/mumps/) and explain isolation advice.

Ask whether the symptoms fit mumps, how long to avoid close contact, which pain or fever medicine is suitable, and whether household members need vaccine advice.