Mumps: symptoms, how long it lasts, is it contagious and when to get help

The NHS says the main symptom is painful swelling around the cheeks and neck, which gets worse over a few days. This may cause earache, or make it harder to chew, swallow or speak. The swelling usually starts on 1 side of the face first before appearing on both. Sometimes you may only get swelling on 1 side, or not get any swelling at all.

Other symptoms include headache, a high temperature, muscle aches, feeling tired and not being as hungry as usual. They might start a few days before the swelling.

UKHSA describes mumps as a viral illness with early symptoms of headache and fever, characterised by swelling of the parotid glands, which may be one- or two-sided.

The NHS says mumps usually gets better without treatment within 2 weeks, but sometimes it causes other problems.

Symptoms may begin a few days before the swelling, and the NHS says to stay off work or keep children out of school or nursery for at least 5 days after the swelling starts.

Yes. The NHS says mumps is caused by a virus that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and that it can spread to others easily. UKHSA says transmission is by direct contact with saliva or droplets from the saliva of an infected person.

To avoid spreading the virus the NHS suggests:

• Stay at home and avoid other people if you are ill.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.

• Use tissues when you cough or sneeze, then put them in the bin.

• Do not share towels, bedding, clothes, cups or cutlery.

• Stay off work or keep children out of school or nursery for at least 5 days after the swelling starts.

The NHS advice for children is the same: rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches, and no aspirin for children under 16. Keep them out of school or nursery for at least 5 days after the swelling starts.

The UKHSA Green Book says asymptomatic mumps infection is common, particularly in children. Children are offered the MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months, according to the NHS, and the NHS says it is very unlikely to be mumps if a child has had both doses.

There is no specific treatment; the NHS says after you have seen a GP there are things you can do to ease symptoms:

• Rest.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for swelling, aches and pain (do not give aspirin to children under 16).

• Gently hold a warm towel against the cheeks and neck for pain or discomfort.

The NHS says most people get better within 2 weeks but mumps can sometimes cause further problems, including swollen testicles (orchitis), swollen ovaries, meningitis, pancreatitis and temporary hearing loss in 1 ear. These are more likely if you get mumps as a teenager or adult, but they usually do not cause serious long-term problems.

The NHS says to speak to a GP if you think you or your child may have mumps, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has mumps and have not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine or had mumps before. The GP will arrange a test to confirm it.

Because mumps spreads easily, speak to your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

UKHSA says mumps is a notifiable disease in England and Wales, so a suspected case will be reported by the clinician.

UKHSA publishes guidance for healthcare professionals on the risk of mumps in pregnant women, MMR vaccination during pregnancy and infection in healthcare settings. The NHS says the MMR vaccine is not suitable if you are pregnant, because it is a live vaccine.

If you are pregnant and think you have mumps or have been in close contact with someone who has, speak to your GP or midwife, and tell them before you attend so that others are not exposed.

The NHS says the MMRV and MMR vaccines can help prevent mumps. The MMRV vaccine, which also protects against measles, rubella and chickenpox, is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.

After 2 doses of MMR, the NHS says around 88% of people are protected against mumps, and around 99% against measles and rubella. If you get mumps after being vaccinated, symptoms will usually be much milder. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.

Mumps is assessed through your GP and confirmed by a test arranged by the GP, with public health teams involved because it is notifiable. The MMR and MMRV vaccines are free on the NHS. Private clinics may offer vaccination or antibody testing, but suspected mumps still needs reporting through the NHS.