Mumps

Mumps are caused by a virus. The virus takes about 16 to 21 days to develop. The following are symptoms of mumps:

• headache
• vomiting
• fatigue
• pain over the salivary gland (in front of the ear) usually on one side of the face.

Your child can only get the mumps once, even if one side of her face is affected. Your child can spread the mumps before getting any symptoms and up to 10 days after the swelling goes away.

How to make your child more comfortable

Give your child:

• extra liquids
• acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) for fever. Follow the package directions for your child's height, weight or age.
• bland food.

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

Antibiotics will not help treat the mumps. The virus will have to run its course.

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider for an appointment if your child:

• has severe vomiting
• is delirious
• has swollen, tender testicles (male children).

When you call the clinic, please mention that your child has mumps.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine should be given to your child at 12 and 15 months old and again at kindergarten entry (age 5). Mumps can be a serious disease for an adolescent. If your child is older and has not had the vaccine, see your child's health care provider.