What should you know about mumps in teenagers?

Mumps is a viral infection. A teenager may develop tender swelling beside the jaw or cheeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and reduced appetite. Swollen glands can make chewing or swallowing sore. After puberty, testicular or ovarian inflammation can occur; pain, swelling or lower abdominal discomfort should be reported rather than watched at home.

Several illnesses can resemble mumps, and vaccination history helps the clinician judge what testing or advice is needed. The virus spreads through saliva and respiratory droplets, so a teenager who may have mumps should avoid close contact until given return-to-school guidance.

A parent or teenager should phone the GP practice before arriving and describe the symptoms. Rest, drink often and choose soft foods if the jaw is tender. Use fever or pain medicine only as directed and check suitability with a pharmacist or clinician. Do not share bottles, cups, cutlery or lip balm. Check whether the MMR vaccination record is complete; vaccination prevents infection but does not cure current mumps.

Seek urgent care for severe testicular pain, severe lower abdominal pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, a severe headache with neck stiffness, repeated vomiting or inability to drink. Arrange prompt review for worsening fever, dehydration or new swelling after puberty.

Ask whether testing is needed, when school or sport can safely resume, how to relieve jaw pain, what symptoms suggest gland complications, and whether household contacts need vaccination advice.