What should you know about mumps spread through?

Coughing, sneezing, talking closely, kissing and sharing drinks or utensils can move infected saliva or respiratory secretions between people. A person may spread the virus before the classic swelling is recognised, so an apparently mild illness does not remove the need for caution. Fever and swollen glands near the jaw can occur after an exposure, but those symptoms can also have other causes.

If you have had close contact with someone who has mumps, monitor for illness and check your MMR Vaccination history with a clinician. If symptoms start, stay away from school, work and crowded settings, avoid sharing household items, improve ventilation and call a GP Consultation service before going to a clinic. Wash hands often, particularly after coughing or touching your face.

Contact a GP promptly after a suspected exposure or when fever and jaw-area swelling appear. Seek urgent assessment for difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, marked drowsiness, dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or painful swelling of a testicle. Tell the service about the possible exposure before arriving.

Ask when you may safely return to shared settings, whether close contacts need advice, how to manage symptoms, and whether vaccination is appropriate. Mention pregnancy, immune problems and the timing of any contact.