A virus causes the disease known as the mumps. The glands on each side of the face are typically affected. These glands, known as parotid glands, produce saliva. It may hurt or be sensitive to touch swollen glands.
Mumps are not frequent in the United States because of immunizations. However, outbreaks do happen. Unvaccinated individuals are at a significant risk of infection. Vaccinated people who develop mumps usually have milder symptoms and fewer consequences.
There is no particular treatment for mumps. The effects of treatment include pain relief.
Symptoms
After being exposed to the virus for two to three weeks, mumps symptoms begin to manifest. No symptoms or very minor symptoms are possible in some people.
The initial signs could resemble those of the flu, like:
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Fever.
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Headache.
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Muscle aches or pain.
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Not wanting to eat.
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Tiredness.
Salivary gland swelling typically begins within a few days. Some signs could be:
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Swelling of one or both glands on the sides of the face.
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Pain or tenderness around the swelling.
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Less often, swelling of glands below the floor of the mouth.
Causes
A virus is a sort of bacterium that causes the mumps. Mumps is transmitted through saliva. Coughing or sneezing might cause the virus to be released into the air in the form of small droplets.
You can contract the virus by inhaling microscopic droplets. You can also obtain the virus by touching a surface where droplets have landed and then touching your face. Indirect contact, like as kissing or sharing a water bottle, is another way to contract the virus.
In the United States, outbreaks are most common where people live or work in close quarters. College campuses, summer camps, and schools are a few examples.
Prevention
Most persons who have received the mumps vaccine, sometimes known as being fully vaccinated, are protected from mumps infections. Unvaccinated people are more prone to contract the mumps.
Vaccine protection may wane in certain persons over time. Most fully immunized individuals who contract the mumps typically experience milder symptoms and fewer consequences.
The MMR vaccine
The recommended pediatric vaccination schedule includes the measles vaccine. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is typically administered as a single vaccine. The timetable is:
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The first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
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The second dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years before entering school.
Another type of the MMR vaccine, known as varicella-zoster, protects against the virus that causes chickenpox. But the first dose of the recommended childhood vaccination schedule does not use the MMRV vaccine, sometimes known as the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine.
There is no connection between the MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine and autism, according to extensive research conducted in a number of nations. The original study that established this link in 1998 was based on scientific flaws. That work was deleted from the scholarly record in 2010.
Numerous studies conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Academy of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown no conclusive evidence of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.
People who need the MMR vaccine
If you haven’t received two doses or are unsure, consult your doctor. The vaccine or a booster shot can be required. This is especially critical if you are working in a high-risk environment or during an outbreak. The following people may require additional vaccinations or confirmation of vaccination:
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College students.
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People in the military.
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International travelers.
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Health care workers.
People who don’t need the MMR vaccine
If you’re not sure if you’ve been immunized, a blood test can reveal whether you have antibodies to mumps. If you had antibodies to the virus, your immune system would be able to fight off an infection and you wouldn’t need a second shot.
People who were born before 1957 were probably exposed to the virus. They most likely have mumps immunity.
A weak yet contagious form of the measles virus is used to create the measles vaccine. This mild virus can be easily handled by a typical immune system. People with immune systems that do not respond fast or powerfully to the vaccine, on the other hand, are not routinely given this vaccine. However, there are some instances where the advantages outweigh the hazards. Furthermore, pregnant women are advised against receiving this kind of vaccine.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is dependable and safe. There are typically no negative effects.
If they do occur, moderate side effects could be:
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Soreness at the site of the shot.
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Fever.
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Rash at the site of the shot.
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Swelling of the glands in the cheeks or neck.
Rarely, some people may experience signs including joint pain and stiffness, convulsions, a temporary reduction in blood platelets, or a rash.
Rarely do allergies cause severe reactions. Those who experience a severe allergic reaction to the first dose are not given a second dose. A strong adverse reaction to one of the vaccine’s ingredients will prevent someone from receiving the vaccine.
