Mumps
What it is
Mumps is a contagious viral illness. A mild fever may develop for a day or two, followed by swelling of the salivary glands near the jaw, just in front of the ears. One or both sides of the jaw and the ears may be painful.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Rest and choose quiet activities.
- Drink fluids often unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Eat according to appetite and tolerance.
- Choose soft, non-acidic foods.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- For babies and young children: Offer breast milk, formula, or other fluids often unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Wash hands often.
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
Apply heat or cold
- Apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes, 4 times a day. Use a damp towel warmed in the microwave, a warm compress, or a hot-water bottle.
- OR
- Apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Use a cold compress such as, ice pack, bag of frozen vegetables, or reusable cold pack.
- Always place a cloth between the skin and the heat or cold source to protect the skin.
To relieve other symptoms
- If needed, see the health advice sheets on:
Avoid
- Foods containing vinegar and acidic fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons.
- Acidic drinks, such as orange juice.
When to seek medical attention
Fever lasting 5 days or more
Salivary glands that are still painful or swollen after more than 10 days, despite following the recommended advice
Symptoms after contact with someone who has mumps
The measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella) vaccine has not been received or is not up to date
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Rapid changes in general condition, such as:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness
- confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities
Significant and sudden hearing loss
Seizures (uncontrollable shaking of the body)
Severe headache with neck stiffness, vomiting, or sensitivity to light
Severe testicular pain
Severe or sudden abdominal pain