Mumps: How to Care for Your Child

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus. It was a common childhood infection, but now is rarer thanks to the mumps vaccine. Kids with mumps usually have painful swelling of the parotid glands. These glands, which make saliva (spit), are in front of the ear, around the jaw. They also might have a fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Most children with mumps recover fully in about 2 weeks with basic home care.

• If your child has a fever or pain and is uncomfortable, a medicine may help your child feel better and drink more easily:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)

  • OR

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Don't give to babies under 6 months old.

• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen, as it is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

• Soothe swollen parotid glands with either warm or cool compresses (whichever feels better).

• Offer your child plenty of fluids to drink.

• Avoid tart or acidic liquids or food (such as orange juice, lemonade, or tomato products), which can make parotid pain worse.

• Serve a soft diet that's easy to chew.

• Help your child get plenty of rest.

• Children with mumps should stay at home for 5 days from the start of parotid gland swelling. Talk to your health care provider about when your child can return to school or child care.

Your child:

• has abdominal (belly) pain

• is a boy with swelling or pain in the testicles

• is not drinking fluids

• has new or worsening symptoms or seems to be getting sicker

Your child:

• gets a bad headache or stiff neck

• is confused or very drowsy and hard to wake up

• has a seizure

• suddenly cannot hear well

• appears dehydrated; signs include a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, peeing less often, dizziness, or drowsiness

How does mumps spread? The mumps virus spreads in tiny drops of fluid when someone sneezes, coughs, talks, or laughs. It also can spread by sharing objects used by an infected person, such as utensils, or touching contaminated objects or surfaces. It is most contagious a few days right before and 5 days after parotid gland swelling.

How do health care providers treat mumps? There's no specific medical treatment for mumps. Home care focuses on managing symptoms. Because mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics can't treat the infection. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria.

Can mumps be prevented? Yes, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent mumps. Be sure that all family members get their recommended vaccines on time. It's especially important for college students and people living in close quarters to get both doses of the vaccine. During a mumps outbreak, some people sometimes need a third dose. Your health care provider will have the most current information.