Mumps

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      How is it spread?

      Mumps is spread by coughing and sneezing, through air or by direct contact with infected saliva.

      How is it prevented?

      There is a vaccine designed to fight off Mumps. It can be just mumps, or it can be given as the MMR, of the mumps-measles-rubella vaccine. Still, necessary precautions must be taken.

      Do not share anything that could be infected – licked items, dirty tissues, or anything that could have been coughed on. Wash your hands before and after a meal to make sure that the bacteria isn’t on your skin. Don’t use toothbrushes or tongue cleaners that may have already been used.

      Symptoms

      Fever above 101 C

      Headache

      Stiff neck

      Sore Throat

      Nausea

      Swelling under or around the tongue

      Convulsions

      In some cases, symptoms may be so mild that the infected person may not even realize he or she has mumps.

      Interesting Facts

      Once you have mumps, you usually never have it again.

      Mumps generally attacks kids from 5 to 14 years old.