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General health information

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that may swell the salivary glands in front of and below the ears. Most people recover, but serious complications are possible. The MMR vaccine gives the best protection.

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  • Mumps is a contagious viral infection that may particularly cause swelling of the salivary glands in front of and below the ears.
  • Not everyone develops obvious symptoms. An infected person may spread the virus before swelling is visible.
  • Call your family doctor before visiting a practice if mumps is suspected, so others in the waiting room are not exposed.
  • Stay home, avoid close contact and do not share cups, cutlery, cigarettes or towels. Follow local instructions about how long to isolate.
  • There is no medicine that cures the mumps virus infection. Rest, enough fluids and appropriate pain relief usually help while the body recovers.
  • The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination is the best prevention, but no vaccine offers one hundred per cent protection and outbreaks may also occur among vaccinated people.
  • Severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, a seizure, reduced consciousness or severe breathlessness needs immediate help.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
C
ChikungunyaChikungunya is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Sudden fever and often severe pain in several joints are characteristic. Most people recover, but joint symptoms may last months or longer.
G
Glandular feverGlandular fever is usually an Epstein-Barr virus infection and often causes a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and prolonged tiredness. Most people recover on their own, but breathlessness from throat swelling, severe dehydration or sudden pain in the upper left abdomen may require immediate help.
R
RubellaRubella is a contagious viral infection that is often mild, but can seriously harm a baby during pregnancy. A rash alone is not reliable for diagnosis: if you suspect rubella, call before entering a practice, and call the same day if you are pregnant or have been exposed.