It was once a common childhood disease but is easily preventable and not often seen at present, due to the availability of a mumps vaccine. This immunization is routinely given to children at age 15 months, followed by a booster that is given between the ages of 11-12. The vaccine given is usually combined with the measle and rubella vaccine, and is often called the MMR immunization. Most adults, especially those born before 1957, are thought to have been infected naturally, and generally are considered to have a lifelong immunity.
Mumps usually starts with a fever, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, and feeling tired.
These are followed one to two days later by a swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands located below and in front of each ear that causes a typical puffiness of the cheeks. Often the swelling starts on just one side of the face. An earache, pain when chewing, and fever ranging from 101 -104 F can follow the swelling. One third of those having mumps may have very mild symptoms or none at all. Mumps is spread by droplets that are released into the air during coughing and sneezing, and by direct contact with the saliva of an infected person.