Mumps

Check if you or your child have mumps

The main symptom of mumps is painful swelling around your cheeks and neck, which gets worse over a few days.

This may cause earache, or make it harder to chew, swallow or speak.

The swelling usually starts on 1 side of your face first before appearing on both.

Sometimes you may only get swelling on 1 side or not get any swelling at all.

Other symptoms of mumps include:

headache
high temperature
muscle aches
feeling tired
not being as hungry as usual

These symptoms might start a few days before the swelling.

It's also possible to have mumps without any symptoms.

If you're not sure it's mumps

It's very unlikely to be mumps if you've had both doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine, or you've had mumps before.

Find out more about swollen glands

Speak to a GP if:

you think you or your child may have mumps
you or your child have been in close contact with someone who has mumps, and you've not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine or had mumps before

The GP will arrange a test to confirm if it's mumps.

Mumps can spread to others easily. Speak to your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

Things you can do if you or your child have mumps

Mumps usually gets better without treatment within 2 weeks.

After you've seen a GP, there are things you can do to help ease symptoms.

Do

rest
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with swelling, aches and pain (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
gently hold a warm towel against the cheeks and neck to help with pain or discomfort

How to avoid spreading mumps

Mumps is caused by a virus that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

If you or your child have mumps, you can reduce the risk of spreading it by:

staying at home and avoiding other people if you're ill
washing your hands often with soap and warm water
using tissues when you cough or sneeze, and then putting them in the bin
not sharing towels, bedding, clothes, cups or cutlery

Important

Stay off work or keep children out of school or nursery for at least 5 days after the swelling starts to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Complications of mumps

Most people with mumps get better within 2 weeks, but sometimes it can cause further problems, including:

swollen testicles (balls) - called orchitis
swollen ovaries
meningitis
pancreatitis
temporary hearing loss in 1 ear

These are more likely if you get mumps as a teenager or adult, but they usually do not cause any serious long-term problems.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You or your child have mumps and:

have tummy or back pain
have painful or swollen testicles (balls)

You can call 111, or get help from 111 online for people aged 5 and over.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

You or your child have mumps and:

have a very bad headache
are being sick (vomiting)
have a stiff neck
have a dislike of bright light
are confused or disoriented
have a fit or seizure
pass out (faint)

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Get vaccinated against mumps

The MMRV and MMR vaccines can help prevent mumps. Both vaccines also protect you from measles and rubella, and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox.

The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.

Ask your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.

Find out more about the:

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios.