Mumps & The MMR Vaccine

What Is Mumps?

Mumps is one of the common childhood diseases and is caused by the paramyxovirus.

Most people recover easily but, it can lead to severe complications.

Mumps is a viral infection of the saliva-producing parotid glands, which are found either side of the face over the jaw bone.
it is spread in saliva by coughs and sneezes.
symptoms develop 14 to 24 days after exposure.
the illness begins with fever, shivers, tiredness and painful swelling of the parotid glands.
the patient develops a "puffy-cheeked" appearance, similar to that of a hamster, and can help make the diagnosis.
swollen glands feel painful and make it difficult to open the mouth, talk, eat and drink.
headaches, earaches and abdominal pain may also be prevalent
nearly a third of children will have no symptoms
most need a couple of weeks bed rest,
some can go on to develop unpleasant and serious complications, including meningitis, inflammation of the pancras, ovaries or testicles and deafness

What Treatments Are Available?

there is no specific treatment for mumps.
all UK children are offered a MMR vaccine against mumps
treatment should be based on alleviating symptoms.

What Is The MMR Vaccine?

The MMR Vaccine is a three in one vaccine offered to all children in the UK. It offers protection against measles, mumps and rubella. It is administered at 12-15 months and at 4 years of age, This national programme began in 1988.

Many cases are now being seen in young adults (aged 19-23) who were born before MMR became routine.

The Department of Health has alerted GPs to the risk posed by mumps to young adults, and recommends that every effort should be made to ensure that people are fully immunised, even if they are older than the recommended age range.

There is no upper age limit and where required, two doses can be given separated by a three monthly interval.

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