Overview
Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands – one of three pairs of salivary glands that are located in front of and below your ears. It can cause swelling in one or both parotid glands.
Signs and Symptoms
About one-third of people who are infected with the mumps virus do not have any signs or symptoms. If signs and symptoms are present, they usually show up about two to three weeks after being exposed to the virus and can include:
- Swelling and pain close the jaw on one or both sides of the face or under the jaw line
- Pain with chewing or swallowing
- Headache
- Weakness and fatigue
Seek medical attention if you develop any of the following…inflammation of the testicles, fever greater than 102, hearing loss, or abdominal pain.
How it is Spread
Mumps is about as contagious as the flu. It is generally spread for about three days before symptoms appear to about 4-5 days after. The virus is spread through saliva and droplets from the nose and throat. You can spread the mumps virus by sneezing, coughing, and sharing utensils, cups, or other objects that have been in contact with your saliva.
Treatment
Because a virus is the cause of mumps, antibiotics will not be effective and therefore not prescribed. Like most viruses, mumps will need to run its course and most adults will recover within two weeks. Time and rest are the best treatments.
Here are some steps to help ease the pain and discomfort and to keep others from becoming infected:
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to ease symptoms.
- Use a cold washcloth or a small icepack to ease the pain of the swollen glands.
- Wear an athletic supporter if your have pain or discomfort of the testicles.
- Avoid foods that require lots of chewing. Eat soft foods.
- Avoid sour and/or citrus foods or juices that stimulate your salivary glands.
- Drink plenty of fluids!
- Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue or the sleeve of your shirt.
- Do not share drinking or eating utensils.
References: The Centers for Disease Control; MayoClinic.com; Iowa Department of Public Health