Mumps were once a common childhood disease. With the advent of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, however, it became less common.
Concerns over a possible link between vaccinations and autism, many parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children, or to adopt a delayed schedule.
Side effects of having the mumps are rare, but potentially serious. These may include inflammation of the ovaries, breasts, testicles, pancreas, brain, or tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Another rare but potential complication of having the mumps is hearing loss, and according to recent studies, this complication may be more common than previously realized.
If you have been exposed to the mumps, symptoms generally appear in about two to three weeks. Unfortunately, you will have been contagious for about one week before the appearance of symptoms.
Symptoms of the mumps include fever, headache and muscle aches, tiredness, a loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands. You will continue to be contagious for about 10 days to 2 weeks after symptoms appear.
The mumps are caused by a virus [Mumps Virus]. Treatment consists mainly of addressing the symptoms, including giving anti-inflammatory medications for pain and inflammation, antipyretics to reduce fever, and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Swollen salivary glands may feel better when either ice packs or heating pads are applied.
