From symptoms to treatment: 10 things to know about mumps
Mumps is an infection caused by paramyxovirus, an airborne virus that primarily affects the salivary glands, resulting in swelling and pain.
It mainly impacts the salivary glands, resulting in swelling and tenderness around the jawline.
In worst case, mumps can also lead to complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or hearing loss.
The early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The hallmark sign is swelling and tenderness near the jawline.
If you have mumps, you may feel pain when you open your mouth and discomfort when you eat acidic or sour foods.
Mumps primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or throat of those who are close.
The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions or saliva from an infected person, such as sharing utensils or cups.
Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands and covering your mouth while coughing and sneezing, can help prevent transmission.
Drinking lots of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, and eating soft, non-acidic foods that are easy to digest are recommended to eliminate pain.
Children should receive the MMR vaccine. Teens and adults may require booster shots to maintain their immunity to the disease.