What is the first treatment for mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that can cause swollen, tender salivary glands near the cheeks or jaw, fever, headache, tiredness, and pain when chewing or swallowing. Antibiotics do not treat the virus. A clinician may assess the symptoms, consider other causes of facial swelling, and explain how long to avoid close contact.

Contact a GP before attending a clinic if mumps is possible, so the team can reduce exposure to others. Rest, drink fluids, and choose soft foods if chewing hurts. Use age-appropriate paracetamol or another recommended pain reliever according to the label or a clinician’s advice; do not give aspirin to children. Avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, or close face-to-face contact, and follow local isolation advice. Vaccination prevents many cases but does not treat an active infection.

Seek urgent care for severe headache with a stiff neck, marked drowsiness, confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe abdominal pain, or testicular pain and swelling. Arrange medical review if fever persists, fluids are difficult to maintain, symptoms worsen, or a pregnant person, infant, or person with reduced immunity may have been exposed.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long to stay away from school or work, and which pain relief is safe with existing medicines or health conditions. Ask whether household contacts need vaccination advice and what warning signs should trigger reassessment.