Symptoms usually start out remembling the flu with a fever, headache and muscle aches. Then within a couple of days the swelling typically appears. It often begins on one side, but can spread to the other side or to other salivary glands. It takes a week or 10 days for the swelling to recede. To help relieve the discomfort, an aspirin substitute can be used for pain and fever and plenty of liquids should be given.
Mumps is contagious from about two days before the symptoms appear until the swelling is gone.
The mumps vaccine , which is effective at preventing mumps in most children, is given at the age of 15 months, followed by a booster between the ages of 11 and 12 in those who have not yet had mumps. Be sure to call the doctor if a person with mumps is lethargic or if they have convulsions, develop a stiff neck, swollen testicles, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness or difficulty hearing. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.