Mumps is no longer the common disease that it once was. Since the introduction of the mumps vaccine in 1967, mumps cases have fallen considerably from its high of more than 200,000 cases per year in the United States. From time to time, mumps outbreaks occur in the US. Since it a common disease in other parts of the world, you should be able to recognize mumps symptoms in case you do run across it and need to seek treatment.
Key Points
- Mumps is a viral infection. There is no treatment; symptom management is the only thing you can do.
- Most cases of mumps resolve in three to ten days.
- It's important to vaccinate your children against mumps. The mumps vaccine is perfectly safe.
Mumps Symptoms
Mumps is an infection that is caused by a virus. Mumps symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after the initial exposure. It primarily attacks your parotid glands that are located in front of and below your ears. Sufferers of mumps have swelling in these glands that produces the swollen face look that is characteristic of mumps.
Approximately 20% of those with mumps do not exhibit any symptoms. Other mumps symptoms include painful glands on the sides of the face, chewing and swallowing that is difficult, fatigue, weakness, and fever.
Remember that in the U.S., mumps isn't that common because of vaccination programs, but it can still be found in isolated breakouts. It's a good idea to know mumps symptoms in case you run across cases. If you or a family member is suffering from mumps, you should seek medical care from your family doctor in order to lessen the negative effects of the symptoms.
Treatment & Prognosis for Mumps
There is no cure for mumps. The prognosis for mumps is excellent. A majority of people who get this disease will recover within three to ten days. Symptom management is the primary focus of a doctor treating mumps.
If you or someone in your household gets mumps, your doctor will advise rest, a cold or warm cloth for swollen glands, and plenty of fluids. It's important that you follow this advice, since ignoring it will weaken your body and increase your recovery time. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
The best treatment for mumps is prevention. Get your children vaccinated against mumps if they haven't already. The mumps vaccine is perfectly safe; there is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism or other, similar issues. Numerous studies have been conducted on the supposed link between autism and vaccines, with no credible studies finding evidence of a link. If you want your child to avoid this painful and distressing disease, vaccination is the only guarantee.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.