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. Credit: DR P. MARAZZI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/683458/view 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.

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

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.

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.

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.