How does mumps spread?

Coughing, sneezing, talking closely, kissing and sharing cups or cutlery can expose another person to infected respiratory secretions or saliva. A person may be infectious around the time symptoms begin, including before obvious jaw swelling. People with mild symptoms can still pass the virus on. Fever and tender [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) may signal an illness that needs assessment, but symptoms alone cannot identify every cause.

Avoid close face-to-face contact, do not share drinks or utensils, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands regularly. Improve airflow where practical and clean frequently touched items. Keep the person away from school, work and crowded gatherings until a clinician gives return advice. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) and review [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) records for household members.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, seizure, severe headache with neck stiffness, fainting, severe dehydration or sudden testicular pain and swelling. Contact a clinician for persistent [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), new jaw swelling, pregnancy exposure or contact with someone who has reduced immunity. Read about [Mumps](/conditions/mumps/) for broader symptom guidance.

Ask how long to avoid close contact, whether household members need assessment, when vaccination advice applies, and which symptoms should trigger urgent help.