Kids' health - common conditions: Mumps
Mumps
What is it? An infection that makes the face and throat swell up
What are the symptoms? Typical things to watch out for are:
- Dry mouth, making chewing swallowing difficult
- Fever
- Swollen glands behind the ears
However, many cases show mild or no symptoms.
What should I do? Your child's body will naturally produce antibodies to fight off the infection. Keep your child away from others, as mumps is very infectious. Make sure you reduce any fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen liquid, make sure your child drinks plenty of water.
How long will it last? Most children are back to normal within 7-10 days
When will they get it? Immunisation means that mumps is now very rare. However, it is most common in young children.
What if my child doesn't get it? Providing your child has been immunised, it's fine if they avoid the illness. It is generally more serious if an adult contracts mumps.
- Find out more about mumps in children
More common conditions
- Appendicitis
- Chicken pox
- Croup
- German measles/Rubella
- Glue ear
- Head lice/Nits
- Measles
- Ringworm
- Scarlet fever
- Slapped cheek syndrome
By Rob Mansfield
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