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Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands located near the ears. It is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person.
Symptoms of mumps typically appear 2-3 weeks after exposure to the virus and can include:
In some cases, mumps can cause complications, such as:
There is no specific treatment for mumps, and the virus typically goes away on its own within a few weeks. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Measures to relieve symptoms can include getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and applying warm or cold compresses to swollen glands.
The best way to prevent mumps is through vaccination. The mumps vaccine is typically given in combination with measles and rubella vaccines as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. It is recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose given at 4-6 years of age. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should speak with a healthcare professional about getting vaccinated.