Mumps

MUMPS!

Mumps is a viral infection that was common in children before routine immunization. Then incubation period 2-3 weeks. The illness usually starts with fever, headache, and muscle aches. These are usually followed by swelling on one or both sides of the face and neck of the parotid salivary glands, which are just in front of and below ears. Talking, eating, and drinking may be painful. Mumps is usually minded in children, but teenagers and adults may develop potentially serious complications.

What you do yourself

  • Rest until symptoms begin to ease.
  • A warm compress, such as a face flannel soaked in a warm water, applied to the side of the face, can help to relieve pain in swollen glands.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid acidic fruit juices because they stimulate saliva and may make the enlarged glands more painful. Use a straw if opening the mouth is painful.
  • Have soups, yogurts and other soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow.
  • A painkiller will help reduce fever and relieve aches and pains (see DRUG REMEDIES)
  • If mumps affects the testicles, stay in bed and wear supportive clothing, such as two pairs of close-fitting underpants, until symptoms ease.
  • If there are no complications, a child can usually go back to school, or an adult can return to work, 5 days after the onset of swollen glands. However, full recovery can take 1-2 weeks.

DRUG REMEDIES

Painkillers Will bring down a fever and relieve muscle aches and the pain of swollen glands.

  1. For a child, give paracetamol. This drug is available in a variety of forms, such as liquid medicine, soluble tablets, or melt-in-the-mouth tablets. Alternatively, you can give liquid ibuprofen. Your pharmacist will advise you which is most suitable for your child.
  2. Adults can take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

PREVENTION

Immunization To protect against mumps is a given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Make sure your child is immunized.

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