What should you know about mumps viral disease?

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva during close contact. Some infected people have mild symptoms or no obvious swelling, while others develop tiredness, headache, reduced appetite, fever, and tender swelling around the cheeks or jaw. A [Mumps](/conditions/mumps/) page gives condition-specific context; [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) can also have causes unrelated to mumps. Rarely, mumps affects areas such as the testicles, ovaries, pancreas, or the tissues around the brain, so unusual or severe symptoms deserve medical review.

Call a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) service before attending, because the clinic may arrange a separate route for someone with a contagious illness. Rest, drink fluids, and use only medicines suitable for you as directed by a pharmacist or clinician. Avoid sharing utensils and close contact, particularly with infants, pregnant people, and anyone with reduced immunity. Ask about [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) to reduce future risk; vaccination does not treat an illness already underway.

Seek urgent care for a severe or persistent headache, stiff neck, confusion, marked drowsiness, seizure, breathing difficulty, fainting, repeated vomiting, or sudden severe pain in the testicles or abdomen. Contact a clinician for jaw swelling with fever, difficulty eating or drinking, or symptoms after known exposure. Tell the service about the timing of exposure and symptoms so it can advise on testing and limiting spread.

Ask whether your symptoms fit mumps, whether testing is needed, how long to stay away from close contact, and which household members should check their MMR history. Ask which pain or fever medicines are suitable for your age and health conditions.