Mumps: Everything Parents Should Know

Most parents won't have to worry about mumps as vaccines make mumps outbreaks rare. Sadly, some kids still get this virus, and if you're a parent dealing with a similar case, you likely have numerous questions. You should know the signs and symptoms of mumps, effective treatments, and the best steps for prevention.

This virus belongs to relative viruses commonly called paramyxoviruses. Such viruses are a common source of infection, especially in children.

Mump is a respiratory virus that can induce headache, fever, swelling of the salivary glands, and exhaustion. Most infections appear to be mind. Hence, some cases can lead to severe complications.

Mump is a viral infection spread by close contact with respiratory droplets produced by the throat and nose. Most cases of the said virus have mild symptoms, which may resemble a severe cold or flu. Some rare cases are life-threatening, which parents prevent as much as possible.

Beth Oller, M.D., a family physician in Kansas, says that mumps was an infection most individuals would contract in childhood, in the past. Fortunately, there are now effective vaccines that prevent one from having mumps.

Read Also: Best and Cozy Winter Hats to Keep Your Child's Head Insulated

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Usually, an individual with mump might be pictured with abnormally puffy cheeks. Hence, these puffy cheeks are all because of the swollen salivary glands, called parotitis, as the salivary gland it affects is the parotid gland located in front and under the ear near the cheeks.

Norma Perez, M.D., a pediatrician and Medical Director at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, CA, says that cheek swelling is not the first sign of mumps. This viral infection starts like many other viral illnesses, with body aches, headaches, decreased appetite, and fatigue.

Once you have suspected mumps, you should immediately contact your doctor right away as they will prefer having a formal diagnosis so they can provide instructions for lessening the spread of the virus,

Dr Oller told Very Well Family to watch out for the red flags as this indicates that the child's condition is severe. If your child complains of a stiff neck and seizure and is very drowsy, it could be a sign of brain inflammation that needs to be treated immediately.

How can mumps be diagnosed?

The child's pediatrician can diagnose mumps with a physical exam diagnosis. Hence, the doctor will also likely confirm the diagnosis with a blood test or saliva.

Usually, the presence and characteristics of swollen salivary glands are more than enough for a diagnosis, but sometimes a virus culture is essential. In this case, the child's throat and cheeks will be swabbed, and the sample will be transmitted to a lab for further analysis.

Most juveniles recover from mumps only within 2 weeks, while fever lasts between 3-5 days. Other symptoms may resolve within a week or two, while the swelling of the salivary gland lasts between 5-10 days.

NHS says there's no exact cure for mumps, but the infection will likely go away within 1 or 2 weeks. Treatments used only served to relieve symptoms and treatments that will require one to get plenty of bed rest and fluids.

Related Article: Polio Survivor Encourages Parents To Prioritize Vaccination of Kids Now That Cases Are Increasing Globally