Understanding Mumps: A Comprehensive Guide
The mumps virus is an infection of the salivary glands that causes symptoms like fever, headaches, muscle pains, fatigue and swelling near the jaw. The contagious disease used to be quite prevalent, but is now significantly less common due to the effective vaccination programs. Even with this progress, there are still occasional outbreaks, which remind us how important it is to understand and address mumps.
What Is Mumps All About?
The mumps virus is the cause of mumps. The parotid, one of the three pairs of glands located beneath and behind your ears. When you or your children contract mumps it may cause swelling of one or both glands.
Mumps were common in many parts of the world before 1967. The incidence of the mumps is now dramatically lower. Before the U.S. mumps vaccine program began in 1967, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 186,000 cases each year. However, the true number was probably much higher because of underreporting. In the United States, mumps has decreased by more than 95% since the beginning of the vaccine era.
The Common Causes of Measles
The virus responsible for mumps spreads quickly from one person to another through saliva. If you come into close contact with someone infected by the mumps, it is possible to catch mumps. Some of the most common causes are:
- Share utensils and cups with someone suffering from mumps
- The mumps virus can be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces that have been touched by an infected person.
- Close contact (in the same classroom, household or work place) with someone who is mumps-positive
Mumps Treatment
There is currently no antiviral medication that can be used to treat mumps. It is important that the virus runs its course within the body. Symptoms can be treated with the following:
- Use pain relievers for fever reduction and discomfort
- Use warm or cold compresses on the glands that are swollen to relieve pain
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration
The CDC states that most mumps sufferers recover within two weeks.
Views of Health Professionals on Mumps
World Health Organization and CDC both recommend MMR vaccination, which provides protection against rubella, measles and mumps. The vaccine is 88% effective in preventing the mumps with two doses; one dose has a 78% effectiveness. Health professionals are in agreement that the MMR vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease, despite occasional outbreaks.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
There is no cure for the mumps but there are remedies that can alleviate some symptoms. These include:
- Sleep and rest is important
- Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of liquids such as water, warm soup and fruit juice.
- Acidic food and drinks can cause salivary gland swelling.
The MMR vaccine is the main prevention method. Good hygiene is also very important, such as washing your hands regularly and never sharing utensils.
Mumps are a viral contagious infection. It was very common in the past, but it has now been greatly controlled by vaccines. There is no antiviral treatment for the mumps. However, you can manage your symptoms and recover within two weeks. Mumps can be prevented through vaccinations and good hygiene.
This guide gives a comprehensive overview of the mumps and its symptoms, causes, treatment, opinions from professionals, home remedies, prevention, etc. Understanding more about the mumps will empower us to be proactive in managing and preventing it.
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