Mumps:
- Seek medical advice.
- Advise recommended dose of paracetamol.
- Apply warm or cold compress.
- Help prevent infection spreading by washing hands regularly.
What is mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that was common in children before the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in 1988. Mumps usually passes without causing serious damage to a person’s health.
It is spread by droplets of saliva - either breathing them in or from contact with contaminated surfaces.
Signs and symptoms
Look for:
- painful swelling at the side of the face under the ears
- a high temperature
- headaches
- joint pain.
What to do
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If you think someone has mumps, seek medical advice straight away.
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Advise the patient to take the recommended dose of painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Never give aspirin to a child under 16 years old.
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Apply a warm or cold compress to swollen glands to help relieve the pain.
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It is important to prevent the infection spreading in the few days before and after the symptoms develop by:
- regularly washing your hands with soap
- disposing of used tissues.
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Advise the patient to stay off work or school for at least 5 days after the first symptoms appear.
