How to Prevent Mumps

The mumps virus is responsible for the spread of an infectious disease called Mumps. Mumps is contagious and can lead to fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and swelling of the salivary glands. Mumps can be mild or severe. Mumps prevention is best achieved by getting vaccinated.

What are Mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection spread by saliva and mucus. Mumps is more common in children aged between five and nine, although it can also affect anyone of any age. Mumps symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle pains, weakness, swelling of the salivary cells, and headaches. Rarely, mumps may cause meningitis or encephalitis.

The causes of Mumps

The mumps virus is a member the the paramyxovirus group. Mumps is transmitted by direct contact with mucus or saliva from the throat and nose of infected persons. You can also spread the virus by coughing or sneezing as well as sharing eating and drinking utensils and touching affected objects.

The Treatment of Mumps

Supportive care is the best treatment for mumps. It includes fluids and rest. Mumps treatment is not advised by antibiotics as they do not protect against viruses. To reduce symptoms, some patients might be given antiviral medication such as oseltamivir.

The Latest in Mumps Treatment

There has been considerable progress made in recent years with vaccines against mumps. Two-dose MMR vaccine ( Measles mumps and Rubella ) is the current mumps vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing mumps infections, and has been reported to have an efficacy rate of as high as 95% . The incidence of mumps in the United States has dropped significantly since the vaccination was introduced.

Prevention of Mumps

Mumps prevention is best achieved by getting vaccinated. MMR vaccine (measles mumps and rubella) is currently offered in a 2-dose regimen. The recommended age for children to receive the first dose is 12-15 months old. They should then get their second dose between 4 and 6 years. If you are an adult who has not been vaccinated or has not had the mumps vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider to discuss getting it.

Other than vaccinations, there are other ways to prevent the spread. Washing your hands frequently, not sharing food or drink with sick people, and washing your hands often are some of the ways to prevent the spread of mumps. Also, it is important that you cover your mouth if you have a cold or cough and dispose of any tissues promptly after using them.

Conclusion

The mumps virus is responsible for the spread of an infectious disease called Mumps. Mumps is contagious and can lead to fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and swelling of the salivary glands. Mumps can be mild or severe. Get vaccinated to avoid mumps. Other than vaccinations, there are other ways to prevent the spread of mumps. These include washing your hands frequently, not sharing food or drink with sick people, as well as keeping away from close contacts with them.

Mumps can be a severe condition with long-term consequences for your health. Mumps vaccination is the best option to protect your family members and yourself from this serious condition. These simple steps can be taken to prevent this potentially fatal disease from spreading.