What should you know about virus similar to mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that can cause swelling near the cheeks and jaw when the salivary glands become inflamed. Other viruses can produce a similar pattern of fever, tiredness, headache, sore throat or swollen glands elsewhere in the neck. The location of swelling, vaccination history, exposure and accompanying symptoms help a clinician judge the possibilities.

Swollen glands do not by themselves confirm mumps. Because mumps can spread between people, avoid close contact and do not share cups or utensils while awaiting advice if mumps is suspected.

Rest, drink fluids and use fever or pain relief only as directed and suitable for you. Keep track of when fever and swelling began. Contact a GP Consultation service before attending in person if mumps is possible, so infection-control arrangements can be considered. Check your vaccination record with a clinician; MMR vaccination helps prevent mumps and other infections but does not treat an illness already underway.

Seek urgent care for severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, breathing or swallowing difficulty, severe abdominal pain, testicular or breast swelling, or a rapidly worsening condition. Prompt assessment is also needed for persistent high fever, marked dehydration or an infant who is unwell.

Ask whether the swelling pattern fits mumps or another infection, whether testing or isolation advice is needed, when it is safe to return to close contact, and whether your MMR vaccination record is complete.