Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in teenagers and adults who have not been vaccinated. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact with an infected person. While mumps was once common, widespread vaccination has greatly reduced its occurrence. However, cases still appear, and understanding the condition can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health.
Most children recover fully with proper care, but early attention to mumps symptoms can prevent complications. Knowing the causes of mumps, its prevention, and available mumps treatment options ensures a smoother recovery.
In this guide, you will learn about the symptoms of mumps, what causes it, how to manage it at home, and when to seek medical care. We aim to provide clear, reassuring information to support you on this journey.
What is Mumps?
Mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands, leading to swelling and discomfort. In rare cases, it may cause other health issues, but most children recover fully with proper care.
Children between 2 and 12 years old who haven’t received the vaccine are still at risk. Teenagers and adults vaccinated as children can still get mumps if their immunity has weakened. A booster dose may help in some cases—speak to your paediatrician for guidance.
Symptoms of Mumps
Mumps symptoms often start mild, and your child may not show any signs at all. When symptoms do appear, they usually take 7 to 25 days after infection to develop.
Early symptoms of mumps can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
A few days later, the most noticeable symptom, Parotitis (swelling of the salivary glands), may occur. The glands are located between the ears and jaw and can swell on one or both sides of the face. This swelling can make the cheeks look puffy, similar to “chipmunk cheeks.” Parotitis happens in more than 70% of mumps cases.
While mumps is usually mild in children, it can sometimes affect other organs. Seek medical advice if your child has the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
- Stiff neck
- High fever
- Confusion
- Stomach pain
- Swollen testicles
- Severe headache
- Mumps orchitis (pain in the groin area or testicular pain in male children)
Causes of Mumps
Mumps is caused by a virus from the Paramyxovirus family, which spreads easily from person to person. It spreads through saliva and respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Your children can catch the virus by:
- Breathing in tiny droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
- Sharing cups, utensils, or toys that have been in contact with infected saliva
- Being in close contact with someone who has mumps, such as playing, hugging, or kissing
If your child has Mumps, it can be contagious before symptoms appear, usually from 1 to 7 days before, and may remain infectious for up to 9 days after symptoms start. In some cases, the virus can be found in saliva as early as 7 days before symptoms and in urine or semen for up to 14 days after infection..
Mumps Prevention
The MMR vaccine protects against Mumps, Measles, and Rubella. It is the most effective way to prevent mumps complications and reduce the spread of the mumps virus. More than 95% [1] of vaccinated children remain protected for life.
MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses:
- First dose: 15–18 months
- Second dose: 4–6 years
The second dose must be given in the second year of life, at least 4–8 weeks after the first dose.
Mumps is included only in the MMR vaccine, not the MR vaccine. Parents should check which vaccine their child is receiving, as the government is currently providing only the MR vaccine. Due to this, there have been recent Mumps outbreaks caused by lack of vaccination.
Catch-up Vaccination
- If your child hasn’t received both MMR doses yet, don’t worry! Catch-up vaccination is available to help protect them.
- The minimum gap between two doses is 4 weeks.
Extra Doses During Outbreaks
- If there’s an outbreak in your area, your doctor may recommend an extra MMR dose for your baby between 6–8 months. But this does not count toward the routine schedule.
- Children in close contact with mumps cases may need an additional dose, even if vaccinated.
Mumps Treatment at Home
There is no specific cure for mumps, but rest and care at home can help your child recover smoothly. Recovery usually takes about two weeks. Mumps treatment focuses on easing discomfort and helping your child feel better.
How to Treat Mumps at Home?
- Let them suck on an ice pop to soothe a sore throat.
- Apply ice or warm packs to swollen glands for relief.
- Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Give your child soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or dal to reduce strain on swollen glands and make eating easier.
- Avoid acidic foods like citrus, as they may cause more discomfort.
- Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (not Aspirin) might help reduce pain and fever.
Most children recover fully, but if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, check with your paediatrician for further guidance.
Conclusion
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best protection for your child. While mumps can be concerning, the good news is that it’s largely preventable. One of the most effective ways to protect your child from Mumps is to keep up with the MMR vaccination schedule. Regular handwashing and teaching good hygiene habits can also reduce the risk of infection.
If your child gets mumps, there is no specific treatment, but home remedies, such as keeping them hydrated, offering soft foods, and using ice packs for swelling can help manage symptoms.
Most children recover within two weeks. If symptoms worsen or seem unusual, it’s best to consult a paediatrician for guidance and support, ensuring your child gets the care they need.
Need expert advice for your little one? BabyMD connects you with trusted paediatricians for personalised guidance.
References
