Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Prevention
Vaccination has greatly reduced the chance of getting mumps. Before themeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, most people in the United States got the mumps as kids.
This article will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and possible (but rare) complications of mumps.
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Mumps Symptoms
It takes time for symptoms to appear after a person contracts the virus. The symptoms usually appear about 16–18 days post-infection but can range anywhere from 12–25 days.
Some people may only have mild symptoms and think they have a cold or may not show any symptoms at all.
The characteristic symptoms of mumps include puffy cheeks and a jaw that is sore or tender and swollen.This is because of the inflamed salivary glands that are below the ears.
Other symptoms can include:
Most people recover within two weeks. There are rare instances in which mumps can cause significant complications, including:
Though vaccination has greatly reduced cases of mumps in the United States, outbreaks still occur, resulting in hundreds to a few thousand cases yearly.
Vaccinated people can still acquire and transmit the virus, as is often seen in group settings such as colleges or correctional facilities, But having a population with high levels of vaccination helps limit outbreaks.
A healthcare provider will perform a thorough medical exam and take your medical history. They will also likely order some lab tests.
To confirm a diagnosis of mumps, lab tests can be done, including:
A negative test result doesn’t necessarily rule out infection; a person’s vaccination status and the timing of the sample can also affect results.
There is no specific treatment for mumps, which will generally resolve on its own. Instead, treatment includes supportive care like over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain and fever, bed rest, and plenty of fluids.
Cool compresses can help to ease swollen glands. If the jaw is especially tender, softer foods can reduce the need for chewing.
If you have mumps, try to minimize contact with those in your home. Adults should stay home for five days after their glands become inflamed. Children should stay home until their symptoms have resolved.
The prognosis is generally good for those who have the mumps. In very rare cases, complications can include:
Mumps during pregnancy is not thought to be much different than mumps in anyone else. It has not been found to increase complications during pregnancy or affect fetal development.There is a theoretical risk that early on in pregnancy, it may cause complications, but this remains unproved.
If you are vaccinated, you can still acquire a mumps infection, but your symptoms may be milder, and there is less risk of complications.
The best way to reduce the chances of getting mumps is vaccination. Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine:
College students who don’t show immunity against mumps need the vaccine, and those born during or after 1957 who have never had mumps or aren’t vaccinated should get the vaccine.
If there is a mumps outbreak, people at increased risk may be advised to get an additional dose of the MMR vaccine.
Summary
If you’re vaccinated, it’s still possible to acquire the infection. Those who are vaccinated have a reduced risk of complications and often have less severe symptoms. Though there is no specific treatment, over-the-counter pain and fever relievers and plenty of fluids and rest can help.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grennan D.Mumps.JAMA. 2019;322(10):1022. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.10982Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps symptoms and complications.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps vaccination.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Mumps in adults.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grennan D.Mumps.JAMA. 2019;322(10):1022. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.10982Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps symptoms and complications.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps vaccination.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Mumps in adults.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Grennan D.Mumps.JAMA. 2019;322(10):1022. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.10982Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps symptoms and complications.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mumps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps vaccination.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Mumps in adults.
Grennan D.Mumps.JAMA. 2019;322(10):1022. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.10982
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps symptoms and complications.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Mumps.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of mumps.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mumps.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps vaccination.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Mumps in adults.
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