Mumps:
It is a viral infection of the parotid glands (located between the ears and jaw) and causes swelling of part or all of the parotid glands. It usually begins with a few days of fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Most people suffer from swelling in the parotid gland located in front of and below the ear, which causes swelling of the cheeks and jaw pain.
Causes:
Mumps is transmitted through the virus movement from the respiratory system (nose, mouth, and throat) to the parotid glands (saliva-producing glands located on both sides of the face) and begins to multiply.
Methods of transmission:
The virus is transmitted through respiratory secretions (the saliva of an infected person) in the following ways:
- Transmission of cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person to a healthy person.
- Sharing utensils and cups with the infected person or close contact with others.
- An infected person can spread mumps from a few days before the salivary glands begin to swell until five days after the swelling began.
- A person with mumps should limit his or her contact with others during this time.
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually appear 14-25 days after infection with the virus, and the most common symptom is swelling of the parotid glands, whether on one or both sides. There are other symptoms that may appear before that, including:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Muscle pain.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Dry mouth.
- Loss of appetite .
- Pain while chewing or swallowing.
Mumps is no longer common today, and the previous symptoms may be indicative of another disease (e.g., tonsillitis).
When should you see a doctor:
When infection with the disease is suspected through the appearance of symptoms.
Complications:
Mumps can occasionally cause complications, especially in adults. Complications can include:
- Inflammation of the ovary or inflammation of the breast tissue.
- Inflammation of the testicles.
- Inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis).
- Viral meningitis.
Treatment:
There are currently no medications to treat the mumps virus. Treatment for mumps focuses on relieving symptoms until the immune system fights the virus. The infection usually passes within a week or two.
Prevention:
- Wash hands with soap and water regularly.
- Use tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of them immediately in the trash.
- Stay away from children.
- Not going to school or work for five or more days since the onset of symptoms
Instructions when infected:
- Get enough rest.
- Take painkillers.
- Drink plenty of fluids, and stay away from acidic drinks because they stimulate saliva production.
- Apply warm or cold compresses to relieve pain.
- Eat foods that do not require a lot of chewing.
The vaccine:
In general, a person is considered safe if he or she has had the disease before or has received the vaccine previously. The vaccine is usually given as a community immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella (the triple viral vaccine), and two doses of it are recommended before the child enters school.
Contraindications for taking the triple viral vaccine:
- Pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant within the next four weeks.
- Those who suffer from a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to one of its components.
- People with a severely weakened immune system, or those taking oral steroids.