Symptoms of mumps in a teenager

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can inflame the salivary glands in front of and below the ears. One or both sides may become swollen, making the face look fuller around the jaw. Fever, headache, muscle aches, dry mouth, reduced appetite, and discomfort with sour foods can accompany the swelling. Some infected people have mild or no obvious symptoms, and other infections can also cause fever or swollen glands, so symptoms alone cannot confirm mumps.

Contact a GP for advice, especially if the teenager has facial swelling, fever, or a known exposure. Keep them home from school, sport, and close social contact until a clinician advises when it is safe to return. Do not share cups, utensils, towels, or headphones; encourage handwashing and offer fluids and soft foods. Use only age-appropriate symptom relief according to professional advice, and check vaccination records because MMR vaccination helps prevent mumps.

Seek urgent medical care for severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, seizure, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, or pain and swelling in a testicle. Prompt assessment is also needed if drinking becomes difficult or the teenager appears very unwell. Avoid close contact while arranging care and tell the service that mumps may be possible.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long the teenager should stay away from school, and which symptoms could signal meningitis or another complication. Confirm whether the MMR vaccination record is complete and whether household contacts need specific advice.