What is Mumps?
Mumps is a communicable illness caused by a virus that spreads by nasal secretions, saliva and direct physical contact between one person to another. The saliva-producing (salivary) glands, also known as parotid glands around your ears, are perhaps the most affected. The bulging of the salivary glands is the most common sign of Mumps.
What are the symptoms of Mumps?
Mumps symptoms usually show two to three weeks after the patient has been afflicted. However, over 20% of those infected with the virus show no signs or symptoms whatsoever.
Initially, Mumps may be associated with flu-like symptoms such as:
- Body aches
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite and/or nausea
- Muscle cramps
- General fatigue
- Weakness
- Low-grade fever
How is Mumps caused?
Mumps is caused when a virus may readily transfer from one person to another via contaminated saliva. It can be acquired by inhaling saliva fragments from an infected person who has recently sneezed or coughed. It can also be received by sharing plates, food, or drinks with someone who has the disease.
Mumps can be caused in various ways, including:
- Sneezing or coughing
- Using the same silverware and plates as an infected person
- Sharing food and beverages with a Mumps-affected person
- Kissing someone who already has the disease
- An infected individual touches their nose or mouth and subsequently spreads the infection to another person
The Mumps virus is associated with the Paramyxovirus family and is a significant cause of illness in children. It makes people infectious for around 15 days, though some symptoms may persist for some more time.
How is Mumps diagnosed?
Mumps is usually diagnosed only by its symptoms, particularly by looking at facial swelling. A physician could also:
- Examine the location of the tonsils within the mouth. When a person is infected with Mumps, the tonsils move to the side.
- Take the temperature of the patient.
- Test blood, urine, or saliva samples to confirm the infection.
- For extreme or severe cases, take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine.
- Avoid dehydration from a fever, drink plenty of water.
- Consume a soft diet of yoghurt, soup and other easy-to-chew foods as it might be painful to chew foods with swollen glands.
- Avoid consuming acidic foods and beverages since they might irritate your salivary glands.
- Get sufficient rest and sleep to give the body time to repair and heal.
When should you see a doctor?
If you or your kids show signs and symptoms of Mumps, immediately see your doctor. Around nine days after symptoms develop, Mumps is the most infectious. Tell your doctor's office ahead of time that you think you have Mumps.
Meanwhile, please unfollow the below steps to take care of yourself:
- Take rest as much as possible.
- Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medicines can help reduce symptoms.
What is the cost of a Mumps test?
The Mumps Virus Antibody IgG and IgM test is used to diagnose Mumps virus infection in the lab. You can search for Mumps test near me in India if you have symptoms including fever, headache, muscular soreness, or salivary gland swelling. The Mumps test price ranges from 3500-4000 rupees.
Can Mumps be prevented?
The most accessible method to avoid contracting Mumps is to be vaccinated. Once properly vaccinated, the majority of people are immune to Mumps. The Mumps vaccine is given to children when they are just over one year old and then again before they enter school between the ages of four and six.
How to prevent Mumps from spreading?
Numerous precautions assist in preventing the spread of illness, including:
- Handwashing with soap and water regularly.
- Not reporting to work or school until five days following the onset of symptoms.
- When sneezing or coughing, use a tissue to cover the nose and mouth.
Mumps is a contagious disease that may be prevented with the Mumps vaccination. If you feel you are suffering from Mumps, get tested at a diagnostic center without any further delay.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
