Mumps

Mumps is an infection that causes painful swelling around your cheeks and neck. While it can feel quite uncomfortable, most people get better within 2 weeks without needing special treatment.

What Does Mumps Look Like?

The main sign of mumps is swelling that makes your face look puffy, especially around your cheeks and jaw. This swelling:

• Usually starts on one side of your face first
• Often spreads to both sides within a few days
• Can make your ears ache
• Might make it harder to chew, swallow, or speak
• Sometimes only affects one side, or you might not get any swelling at all

You might also notice other symptoms like:

• Headache
• High temperature
• Muscle aches
• Feeling very tired
• Not wanting to eat much

These symptoms often start a few days before the swelling appears.

When to Speak to Your GP

You should contact your GP if:

• You think you or your child might have mumps
• You've been in close contact with someone who has mumps and haven't had both MMR vaccine doses or mumps before

It's worth knowing that mumps is very unlikely if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or if you've had mumps before.

Important: Mumps spreads easily to other people. Call your GP surgery before visiting - they might prefer to talk to you over the phone first.

Red Flag Symptoms - Get Help Immediately

Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you or your child have:

• Very bad headache
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Confusion
• Fits or seizures
• Fainting

Get urgent help from your GP or call 111 if you have:

• Tummy or back pain
• Painful or swollen testicles

Looking After Yourself at Home

While you wait to get better, you can:

• Rest - your body needs energy to fight the infection
• Drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling (never give aspirin to children under 16)
• Use a warm towel - gently hold it against your cheeks and neck for comfort

Stopping Mumps from Spreading

Mumps spreads through coughing and sneezing. You can help protect others by:

• Staying at home for at least 5 days after the swelling starts
• Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water
• Using tissues when coughing or sneezing, then putting them in the bin
• Not sharing towels, bedding, clothes, cups, or cutlery

Possible Complications

Most people recover completely, but sometimes mumps can cause other problems, especially in teenagers and adults. These might include swollen testicles, swollen ovaries, brain infection (meningitis), pancreas problems, or temporary hearing loss in one ear. These complications usually don't cause lasting problems.

Prevention

The MMR vaccine is the best protection against mumps. It also protects against measles and rubella. Children get this as part of their routine vaccinations. If you're not sure whether you or your child have been vaccinated, speak to your GP - they can give you the vaccine for free on the NHS.

Remember, if you're worried about symptoms, always speak to your GP for proper advice about your situation.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.