Mumps is a contagious virus, and you could spread the disease before you even know you have it. Aneesa Afroze, MD, MPH, FACP, AAHIVS, CTH, infectious disease consultant at MercyOne Des Moines Pulmonary & Infectious Disease Care, breaks down what you need to know about mumps.
How do mumps spread?
Mumps spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat.
“If you’re infected, you can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing or talking,” says Dr. Afroze. “Sharing items that may have saliva on them such as water bottles or cups and being in close contact during activities like playing sports, dancing or kissing can also spread the virus.”
You are more contagious around the start of your symptoms – a few days before your salivary glands begin to swell, until around five days after the swelling begins.
What are the symptoms of mumps in children and adults?
Symptoms of mumps typically appear 16-18 days after you’ve been infected, but it can be as long as 25 days before you start noticing the infection. Both children and adults experience similar symptoms including:
- Swollen, tender salivary glands under ears (parotitis)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
Swollen salivary glands usually last on average five days, most resolving after 10 days.
Can mumps make you sterile?
One of the complications of mumps includes inflammation of the testicles, called orchitis.
“Inflamed testicles could lead to temporary sterility or decrease your fertility, but no studies have resulted in permanent infertility,” says Dr. Afroze.
Orchitis may lead to decrease in the testicular size or testicular atrophy.
How do you treat mumps?
There is no treatment for mumps. Most people recover completely within two weeks. If you are infected with mumps, you should isolate and mask when around others.
Can you get mumps if you are vaccinated?
The mumps vaccine is the best way to decrease your risk of getting the disease. The vaccine is given in a combination that protects against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
“During mumps outbreaks, it is still possible to get mumps despite being vaccinated,” says Dr. Afroze. “However, the symptoms are milder, and complications are less frequent if you are vaccinated.”
Mumps outbreaks can happen when people are in close proximity for prolonged periods of time such as schools and universities.
To help keep you and your family healthy and safe, make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations. Contact your primary care provider or find one today.
