Mumps Symptoms And Ways To Prevent It
Today we’ll talk about the symptoms of mumps, also known as mumps, a contagious disease that can be acute or chronic. It affects one or both of the parotid glands, responsible for the production of saliva. These glands are found behind the ascending branches of the jaw.
This disease is caused by a virus of the Paramyxoviridae genus and is usually common in children and adolescents, although it can also cause infections in sensitive adults.
Mumps can also affect other glands in the body, the nervous system and the testicles.
Before the introduction of universal vaccination, mumps was an endemic disease worldwide. It affected most children between the ages of 2 and 15 years.
Since the introduction of the vaccine, the incidence has declined sharply, with occasional outbreaks of the disease in Latin America. Mumps is usually spread between two days before parotid inflammation and up to 7 or 9 days later.
Being a respiratory virus, the transmission occurs through droplets that are released by sneezing, coughing or during conversations.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Some people infected with the mumps virus do not show signs, or they are very mild. When symptoms do appear, they usually appear about two to three weeks after exposure to the virus.
The main symptom of mumps is inflammation of the salivary glands, which causes the cheeks to swell. In addition to this characteristic inflammation, patients may also have:
- Pain in inflamed salivary glands on one or both sides of the face.
- Pain when chewing or swallowing.
- Fever.
- Headache and muscle pain.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
complications
Complications of mumps are usually rare. Some of them are:
- Hearing Loss.
- Miscarriages in pregnant women.
- Abnormalities in heartbeat.
Although they are not very frequent, they can be potentially serious. Most involve inflammation of some part of the body.
In addition to the salivary glands, about a third of men with mumps also develop inflammation of one or both testicles. This complication is known as orchitis and can cause sterility, although it is rare.
Another complication that can arise from mumps infection is inflammation of the ovaries in the case of girls, although it is less frequent.
On rare occasions, the central nervous system can also become inflamed and lead to meningitis or encephalitis if the brain is affected.
mumps prevention
The best way to prevent mumps is, without a doubt, the MMR vaccine, or MMR. This vaccine combines doses to prevent measles, mumps and rubella. It is individual and collective protection.
The MMR vaccine is included in the childhood vaccination schedule. At this point, it should be remembered that vaccines do not protect 100%, so some isolated cases may occur.
In this case, it is worth noting that in 2019 there was an outbreak of mumps in European countries because, although the vaccine protection has an efficacy above 95%, there was a problem with certain doses of MMR.
Those vaccinated during the years 1995 to 1998 and between 1985 and 1988 have less protection.
How can mumps symptoms be treated?
As mumps is a viral infection, the treatment is focused on reducing symptoms. It is based on the administration of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in addition to rest.
Antibiotics should not be given as they are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral. In the event of an outbreak of the disease, it is advisable to review each case to revaccinate if necessary.
Lastly, it is worth remembering that diet is another important factor to be considered. Depending on the condition of the infected person, they may have difficulty eating, and their diet is usually reduced to soft foods. However, if ingestion is possible, no limitation will be necessary.
