Mumps

Overview

Mumps spreads through saliva and coughs. Swelling of the cheeks and jaw starts a few days after fever.

Rarely, it can cause testicle swelling, meningitis, or hearing loss.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Swollen cheeks or jaw
• Swollen cheeks or jaw in front of the ears

Less common

• Fever
• Pain with chewing

When to get medical care

Causes

Virus.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: coughs or sneezes.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Unvaccinated

Diagnosis

Swab test.

Treatment

Rest.

Self-care

• Fluids
• Rest at home for 5 days after swelling starts
• Use cold packs on swollen glands

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

• MMR vaccine

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home for 5 days after the gland swelling started.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• College students: Outbreaks happen in dorms.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most recover.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Is my vaccine up to date?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Mumps