Mumps is typically a mild illness that affects young school-age children in the UK. If your child is exposed to the mumps virus at school or from other gatherings of children, the early signs of mumps will be cold-like symptoms. This illness affects the salivary glands which also causes the painful and signature swollen “chipmunk cheeks” of mumps.
Getting the mumps vaccination (aka MMR vaccine) can prevent mumps by nearly 95% and it also lowers the risk of spreading it to others. The MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) vaccine also reduces the likelihood of developing serious complications that can occur if they do get sick with mumps.
To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of mumps, keep reading.
Symptoms of Mumps
The early signs and symptoms of mumps are often mild and usually don’t start to appear until at least 15-25 days after someone has been exposed to the virus.
Early mumps symptoms may include:
· Fever.
· Headache.
· Muscle aches.
· Fatigue.
· Loss of appetite.
A few days after the early signs of mumps appear is when the distinguishing mumps “chipmunk cheeks” and mumbled speech starts to appear. The parotid glands are salivary glands located between the jaw and ears, these glands swell (aka parotitis) when you have mumps which causes puffy cheeks and temporary speech problems.
Treatment
There’s no specific treatment or medication for mumps. The illness usually goes away on its own after a few weeks. The primary treatment for mumps focuses on relieving symptoms with over-the-counter non-aspirin medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain.
The following steps can also help manage symptoms:
· Drink plenty of fluids.
· Gargle warm salt water.
· Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods.
· Avoid foods with high acidity.
· Suck on ice or popsicles to soothe a sore throat.
· Use heat or ice on swollen glands.
Prevent Mumps with The Mumps Vaccination
The MMR vaccine is around 95% effective at preventing mumps which is why there are rare cases of mumps anymore. Children usually receive two doses of the MMR mumps vaccine as part of their childhood immunisation schedule. The first dose is given to kids between 12 -15 months old and the second dose is given to kids between 4 – 6 years old.
Get Your Mumps Vaccination at Miles Pharmacy
Your best defense against mumps is getting the MMR vaccine at Miles Pharmacy in South London. In addition to routine vaccinations, we also offer comprehensive healthcare services like blood tests, high blood pressure tests, and much more.
Click here to read more about our services.