What should you know about unilateral mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that can swell the salivary gland in front of or below the ear. Swelling may start on one side and later involve the other, or remain one-sided. Jaw tenderness, pain when chewing or swallowing, headache, tiredness and fever can occur. Swollen glands from other infections can look similar, so facial swelling alone does not confirm mumps. A clinician will consider vaccination history, contact with illness and the rest of your symptoms.

Contact a GP for assessment and call ahead so the practice can reduce exposure to others. Rest, take fluids in small amounts and choose soft foods if chewing hurts. Use a clean, cool compress on the swollen area and take suitable fever or pain relief according to the label. Avoid sharing cups, towels or cutlery, and follow local advice about staying away from school, work and group settings. A clinician can advise on testing and isolation.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe dehydration, severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, seizure, severe abdominal pain, or painful swelling of the testicle. New hearing changes or rapidly worsening facial swelling also need prompt advice. Mumps can occasionally affect areas beyond the salivary glands, so unusual or intense symptoms should not be ignored.

Could this be mumps or another cause of swollen glands? How long should I avoid close contact? Do I need testing or follow-up? Is my MMR vaccination history complete, and should household contacts seek advice?