WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Mumps usually affects children between 2 and 12 years
old, but can occur in people of all ages. It's an infection
that causes pain and swelling in glands in the neck located a
little below the ear. These glands make saliva. It takes 2 to 3
weeks for symptoms to develop after you catch the disease from
an infected individual. Most people who come down with mumps
are completely well after about 10 days.
Causes
Mumps is caused by a virus that
spreads through saliva. It is very contagious; you can get it
simply by being near someone who has the disease. The chances
of getting the disease are greater if you have never received
the mumps vaccine (part of the MMR shot).
Signs/Symptoms
The first symptoms are fever,
chills, headache, and loss of appetite. After 1 or 2 days, the
saliva glands on one or both sides of the neck become swollen,
hard, and painful. The ears may hurt, and it may become hard to
chew or move the mouth. If the disease strikes a male after
puberty, one or both testicles may also become red, swollen,
and painful.
Care
Antibiotics won't help. Care
consists of making the child as comfortable as
possible.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Do NOT give aspirin to children with mumps who are
under 18 years of age. This could lead to brain and liver
damage (Reye's syndrome). Be sure to check for aspirin on
the label of any over-the-counter medicines you
buy.
-
You MAY give acetaminophen for fever and
pain.
-
A warm towel or heating pad set on low may help ease
the pain in the swollen glands. An ice pack also may
help.
-
Have the child rest as much as
possible.
-
The child may eat normally, but should not have foods
that need lots of chewing. Give plenty of fluids such as
ginger ale, cola, iced tea, or water (6 to 8 soda-can size
glasses each day). Do not give fruit juices; they may make
the pain worse.
-
Call your child's school or day-care center and let
them know the child has the mumps.
-
Mumps is easily spread until the swelling is
gone--usually about 1 week. Keep your child away from other
children who have not had mumps or a mumps shot. Adults
whose brothers or sisters had mumps when they were children
can be considered protected. People who are not protected
should call the doctor to see if they should get the mumps
shot.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your child gets a high temperature or fever lasts
more than 5 days.
-
Your child starts to vomit.
-
Your child gets belly pain, pain or swelling of the
testicles, or irritated or red eyes.
-
The skin over the swollen area becomes red at any
time.
-
The swelling lasts for 8 days or
more.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Your child has a seizure, develops twitching of the
face, seems drowsy, or can't be
awakened.
-
Your child gets a severe headache that is not
relieved by pain medicine.
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