What is Mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection. The mumps virus is spread via saliva droplets which are released into the air when coughing or sneezing or by sharing cups or cutlery. The most common symptom is a swelling of the face under the ears, along with a fever, sore throat and tiredness. The condition usually gets better without causing serious complications. Treatment is limited to painkillers, cool compresses on the swollen face and plenty of rest and fluids. Vaccination against mumps is a very effective form of prevention. Most people who have mumps will get better within around a week.
Risks
Mumps is a viral infection that is spread through infected saliva droplets which are released into the air when coughing or sneezing, sharing utensils or by touching objects or surfaces that have been touched by someone that is infected. Mumps is more common in children than adults.
Symptoms
Symptoms appear within three weeks after catching the virus. The most common symptom is a swelling of the cheeks and jaw. The swelling can occur on one or on both sides of the face. Other symptoms include a fever, headaches, a sore throat, feeling sick and tiredness. Although complications are rare, mumps can cause meningitis (swelling of the tissues around the brain), painful swelling of the testicles, abdominal pain or hearing loss.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and physical examination. Testing saliva for the virus may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Most treatment aims to relieve symptoms. People with mumps should rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Cool flannels or packs on the face may help to reduce the swelling. Pain and fever can be eased by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. As chewing can be painful, soft food or soups may be helpful.
Prevention
The vaccine against mumps (the mumps-measles-rubella vaccine) is part of the childhood vaccination schedule. Keeping to the recommended vaccination schedule is important in preventing episodes of mumps. People who have mumps should stay at home for at least 5 days after symptoms begin, to prevent passing the virus to other people.
Other names for mumps
- Epidemic parotitis
- Infectious parotitis
## What is Mumps?
**Question:** What is mumps?
**Answer:** Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. It is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also be spread through contact with saliva or other bodily fluids from an infected person.
**Question:** What are the symptoms of mumps?
**Answer:** The symptoms of mumps typically appear 12-25 days after exposure to the virus. They may include:
* Swelling of the salivary glands, which can cause pain and tenderness when chewing or swallowing
* Fever
* Headache
* Muscle aches
* Loss of appetite
* Fatigue
* Swelling of the testicles in males (orchitis)
* Swelling of the ovaries in females (oophoritis)
**Question:** how is mumps diagnosed?
**Answer:** Mumps is diagnosed based on the symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may also order blood tests or other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
**Question:** How is mumps treated?
**Answer:** There is no specific treatment for mumps. Treatment is supportive and includes measures to relieve symptoms, such as:
* Rest
* Pain relievers
* Fever reducers
* Fluids
* Soft foods
**Question:** How can mumps be prevented?
**Answer:** Mumps can be prevented by vaccination. The mumps vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. It is typically given in combination with the measles and rubella vaccines (MMR vaccine).
**Question:** How serious is mumps?
**Answer:** Mumps is generally a mild illness, but it can cause serious complications in some cases, such as:
* Swelling of the testicles (orchitis)
* Swelling of the ovaries (oophoritis)
* Meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord)
* Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
* Deafness
**Question:** What are the long-term effects of mumps?**
**Answer:** In rare cases, mumps can cause permanent hearing loss or encephalitis.
**Important Note: **
If you think you or someone you know has mumps, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
One comment
Leave a Reply
Popular Articles
The mumps is a viral infection that causes the swelling of the parotid glands. The parotid glands are located on either side of the face, just below the ears. The mumps is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. The virus can be transmitted through talking, sneezing, or咳嗽. The mumps is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it can also occur in adults. The mumps is a very contagious disease, and it can spread quickly through a community. The symptoms of the mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. The parotid glands will become swollen and tender, and the person may have difficulty opening the mouth. The mumps can also cause complications, such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain), meningitis (swelling of the meninges), and pancreatitis (swelling of thepancreas). Treatment for the mumps includes rest, plenty of fluids, and pain relievers. In most cases, the mumps will resolve on its own within a few days. However, if the mumps causes complications, the person may need to be hospitalized. The mumps can be prevented by vaccination. The mumps vaccine is part of the recommended childhood immunization schedule. The mumps vaccine is safe and effective, and it can prevent the mumps from occurring.