Mumps is a viral infection that was still very common before the introduction of general childhood vaccination. The period of infection until the outbreak of mumps is two to three weeks (incubation period).
The disease begins with symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle pain. Subsequently, the parotid glands usually swell on one or both sides of the face and neck, causing pain when speaking, eating and drinking. Usually, the course of the disease is mild in children; however, adolescents and adults may experience aggravations such as vomiting, seizures, severe drowsiness, or inflammation of the testes (mumps orchitis).
Giving painkillers, such as paracetamol in children and/or ibuprofen in adults, lowers fever and relieves pain in muscles and parotid glands. For mumps orchitis, bed rest and wearing supportive clothing, such as tight underwear, helps.
Important: Seek medical attention. Drink plenty, but nothing acidic, which stimulates salivation and causes further pain in the glands. Eat mild porridges or soups and provide rest until symptoms subside.
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