What should you know about tonsillitis and mumps?

Tonsillitis can present with red or enlarged tonsils, a sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen glands in the neck, fever, and sometimes earache. Mumps is an infection that can cause painful swelling of the salivary glands, often around the cheek, jaw, or area in front of the ear. The two conditions can feel similar because both may cause fever and discomfort near the throat.

Tonsillitis with fever does not establish mumps, and swelling near the jaw does not confirm tonsillitis. Vaccination history, exposure to illness, the location of swelling, and examination findings help a clinician decide what is more likely and whether testing or public-health advice is needed.

Rest, drink regularly, and use soft foods if swallowing hurts. Avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, or toothbrushes, and wash hands carefully. If mumps is possible, limit close contact and arrange medical advice before attending a clinic so the service can reduce exposure to others. Do not begin leftover antibiotics: Antibiotic Treatment does not treat mumps, and it is not useful for every cause of tonsillitis. A GP Consultation can help clarify the diagnosis.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva, drooling, rapidly increasing mouth or neck swelling, severe drowsiness, confusion, a seizure, or a severe headache with a stiff neck. Obtain medical advice promptly for persistent fever, dehydration, severe headache, testicular or abdominal pain, or swelling that is worsening. Mention possible exposure to mumps and vaccination status, and avoid close contact until a clinician gives specific guidance.

Ask whether the swelling is centred on the tonsils or salivary glands, whether a test is needed, and how long to avoid close contact if mumps is suspected. Ask which pain relief and fluids are suitable, and what symptoms would require emergency care.