What Is Mumps?
What Is Mumps?
Mumps is a sickness caused by a virus. It spreads from person to person through coughs, sneezes, or sharing drinks and utensils.
A person with mumps may have:
- Swollen cheeks or jaw (puffy face)
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Feeling tired
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
How Can the Health Department and the Medical Community Help Prevent Mumps?
The health department and medical community work to keep people safe and healthy. They help prevent mumps by:
1. Giving Vaccines
- The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) protects against mumps.
- Children usually get 2 shots.
- Vaccines help your body fight the virus.
2. Sharing Information
- They teach people how mumps spreads.
- They tell families when there is an outbreak.
- They give advice on how to stay healthy.
3. Stopping the Spread
- If someone has mumps, they may need to stay home from school or work.
- This helps keep others from getting sick.
How Can You Prevent Mumps?
You can help prevent mumps by:
- Getting the MMR vaccine
- Washing your hands often
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Not sharing drinks, food, or utensils
- Staying home if you feel sick
Medical Information about Mumps
- Mumps is caused by a virus.
- There is no special medicine to cure it.
- Most people get better in about 2 weeks.
- Rest, drinking fluids, and medicine for fever can help you feel better.
Possible Complications (Serious Problems)
Most people get better without problems, but sometimes mumps can cause:
- Swelling of the testicles in boys or men
- Swelling of the ovaries in girls or women
- Swelling of the brain (very rare but serious)
- Hearing loss (rare)
These problems do not happen often, but they can be serious. That is why vaccination is very important.
Why Vaccines Are Important
Getting vaccinated protects:
- You
- Your family
- Babies who are too young for shots
- People who are very sick and cannot get vaccines
Vaccines help stop outbreaks and keep communities safe.