A virus is the source of the mumps disease. Usually, it affects the glands on the face’s two sides. These are the parotid glands, which secrete saliva. Tender or painful swollen glands are possible.
Because of vaccinations, the mumps is not a common disease in the US. However, epidemics do occur. Unvaccinated individuals have a higher risk of contracting an infection. Mumps vaccine recipients typically experience less severe symptoms and fewer side effects.
The mumps does not have a specific medication. Anaesthesia reduces discomfort and pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Mumps symptoms appear two to three weeks following viral exposure. Some individuals might only have very minor symptoms or none at all.
The initial signs could resemble those of the flu, like:
- High temperature.
- Ache.
- Painful or aching muscles.
- Refusing to eat.
- Fatigue.
Salivary gland swelling typically begins a few days later. Among the symptoms could be:
- Swelling of the cheek glands, either one or both.
- Tenderness or pain surrounding the swelling.
- Gland swelling beneath the mouth’s floor occurs less frequently.
Causes
Mumps is caused by a type of germ called a virus. When someone has mumps, the virus is in saliva. Coughing or sneezing can release tiny droplets with the virus into the air.
You can get the virus by breathing in tiny droplets. Or you can get the virus by touching a surface where droplets have landed and then touching your face. You also can pick up the virus from direct contact, such as kissing or sharing a water bottle.
Outbreaks in the United States most often happen where people live or work in close contact. These may include college campuses, summer camps and schools.
Complications
Mumps complications are more common in non-vaccinated individuals. These can occur even in those without enlarged salivary glands.
When the virus spreads to other bodily tissues, complications arise. Possible complications include:
Testicles swollen. This complication is extremely painful and is also known as orchitis. After puberty, it is more common to have a mumps infection. Reduced testicle size and decreased fertility can result from a swollen testicle.
Enlarged ovaries. This complication, which is also related to oophoritis, results in fever, vomiting, and upset stomach. After puberty, this complication is more likely to occur. Fertility does not appear to be impacted by the condition.
Encephalitis. Inflammation, or swelling, of the brain that may cause tissue damage is known as encephalitis. Seizures, loss of muscle control, and altered consciousness are possible outcomes of this complication.
Meningitis. The swelling or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord is known as meningitis. It might result in stiff neck, fever, and headaches. Long-term issues are rare when meningitis associated with the mumps occurs.
Loss of hearing. This issue may develop gradually or suddenly. Following the illness, hearing typically improves.
Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a possible side effect of the mumps. Fever, vomiting, upset stomach, and pain or tenderness near the stomach are some possible symptoms.
Miscarriage. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, getting the mumps may raise the chance of miscarriage, the termination of a pregnancy.
Prevention
Those who are fully vaccinated—those who have received all recommended vaccinations—are largely immune to contracting the mumps. Unvaccinated individuals have a higher risk of contracting the mumps.
Over time, vaccine protection may diminish for certain individuals. Those who have received all vaccinations typically experience less severe symptoms and fewer side effects from the mumps.
The vaccination known as MMR
One of the recommended childhood vaccinations is the mumps vaccine. The combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination is typically administered. The timetable is as follows:
- The initial dosage during the 12- to 15-month period.
- The second dosage should be taken between four and six years old prior to starting school.
A different strain of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus, which is the cause of chickenpox. But the first dose of the recommended childhood vaccination schedule does not include the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella vaccine (MMRV).
Numerous studies conducted in multiple nations have demonstrated that there is no connection between autism and the MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines. Scientific mistakes served as the foundation for the 1998 initial study that made this connection. In 2010, that study was taken out of the scientific literature.
The MMR vaccine and autism have not been scientifically linked, according to a number of reports from the American Academy of Paediatrics, the National Academy of Medicine, and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Those who require the MMR vaccination
Speak with your healthcare provider if you haven’t taken both doses or are unsure. The vaccination may require two doses or a booster. This is crucial in situations where there is a high risk of infection or when there is an outbreak. Some individuals may require additional doses or documentation of immunisation:
- students in colleges.
- individuals serving in the armed forces.
- foreign visitors.
- healthcare professionals
Those who are immune to the MMR vaccine
If you are uncertain about your vaccination history, a blood test can determine whether you have mumps antibodies. You wouldn’t require a second vaccination if your immune system was capable of fighting off a mumps infection due to antibodies to the virus.
It’s likely that those born before 1957 came into contact with the virus. Most likely, they are mumps immune.
The mumps virus used to make the vaccine is a weak but contagious strain. This weak virus is easily handled by a normal immune system. However, this vaccine is usually not given to those whose immune systems are not strong enough or responsive enough to the vaccination. However, if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, there are some exceptions. Furthermore, it is not advised for pregnant women to receive this kind of vaccination.
Adverse reactions to the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine works and is safe. Most people experience no adverse effects.
In the event that they occur, mild side effects could be:
- Soreness where the bullet was fired.
- High temperature.
- Rash where the shot was taken.
- Gland swelling in the neck or cheeks.
Rarely, some people may experience symptoms like a rash, short-term drop in blood platelets, pain and stiffness in the joints, or seizures.
Rarely do allergic reactions get very bad. A second dose is not administered to those who experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first one. Additionally, recipients of a severe allergic reaction to one of the vaccine’s ingredients will not be allowed to receive the shot.
