Mumps is a contagious viral disease, caused by the myxo virus, which has plagued the human race for centuries. The most common symptoms of mumps include headache, fever, loss of appetite, and swelling of the parotid and other glands. These symptoms are not usually serious, but mumps can cause some serious complications. Approximately 20% of infected people do not have any symptoms of mumps at all, and they are not aware that they even have the disease. Mumps is transmitted by airborne means or through direct contact with infected droplets or saliva, which are ejected from the body during coughing and sneezing. Vaccination is the best way to avoid the disease. A mumps vaccine can be given, but this only protects against mumps, so it is far more common for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to be given, as this immunizes the child against all 3 diseases.

Diagnosis of mumps is usually based on the symptoms, especially the swelling of the salivary glands in either or both cheeks (the parotid glands), which is a strong indicator for mumps. Various laboratory tests may also be used to help with any diagnosis, but these are often unnecessary.

These laboratory tests include a virus culture or serologic blood test. This blood test can detect mumps antibodies, which indicate whether you have had a recent or past infection of the disease.

Mumps, like all viral diseases, cannot be treated with antibiotics. Also like most viral illnesses, a mumps infection can normally be left to run its course. Fortunately, most children and adults recover from mumps within 2-3 weeks without developing any complications.

Even in developed countries, where vaccination programs are common, there are misguided and misinformed people who refuse vaccination for themselves and/or their children. To protect these foolish people, and visitors to your area from other countries who have not been vaccinated, contact should be limited until a medical diagnosis has been established excluding mumps, or until at least 4 days have passed since the symptoms subsided.

Usually, all that is required to treat for mumps is treatment of the symptoms, with paracetamol, regular rinsing of the mouth, and plenty of fluids to drink. In addition, you should let your doctor know that you or your child has mumps, but unless complications appear, your doctor will not necessarily need to see you. Your doctor may notify the health authorities to keep track of childhood immunization programs and mumps outbreaks.

Then, in most cases, it is simply a matter of isolating yourself or your child to prevent spreading the disease to others.

At home, it is important to regularly monitor the sufferer’s progress and to check for the onset of any complications before they have a chance to become serious or life threatening. The sufferer’s temperature should be monitored, and a written record kept of the readings, dates, and times. If the temperature climbs above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), then seek medical advice.

It is also beneficial and safe to use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other fever medications to bring down a fever. These medicines will also help to reduce the pain caused by swollen parotid and other glands.

WARNING DO NOT USE ASPIRIN. Unless instructed by your child’s doctor, don’t give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness since the use of aspirin in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye Syndrome – a serious and potentially deadly encephalitis-like illness. Instead, acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used safely.

You can also use hot and cold packs to soothe swollen parotid glands and reduce the pain associated with the swelling.

Serving a soft, bland diet that requires a minimum of chewing and drinking plenty of fluids are also beneficial for mumps sufferers.

Tart or acidic fruit juices (such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lemonade) should be avoided as they can temporarily increase parotid pain. Water, decaffeinated soft drinks, and tea are better beverages for consumption by mumps sufferers.

When mumps causes pain and swelling in the testicles, consult your doctor immediately so that they can prescribe stronger medications to deal with the pain and swelling. They will also provide instructions to enable you to apply warm or cool packs and provide extra support for the testicles, which can help soothe the area and reduce the pain and discomfit.

A child with mumps does not need to stay in bed, but may play quietly. Your doctor will be able to advise the most appropriate time for your child to return to school. Usually this is around 7 days after the symptoms have subsided.

Mumps can cause serious complications which affect the brain and its membranes and other internal organs. If you or your child are suffering from mumps and have a stiff neck, convulsions (seizures), extreme drowsiness, severe headache, changes of consciousness, or abdominal pain then consult your doctor immediately.