Mumps infection usually passes within one to two weeks and complications are rare. But it is incurable, and where complications do occur they can be severe.
Overview
What is mumps?
A rare but contagious viral infection, now most common in unimmunised young adults.
What are the symptoms?
Although accompanied by fever, headache and fatigue, the most noticeable symptom of mumps is a swelling of the salivary glands, which can result in the distinctive "hamster face".
What does mumps testing do?
It tests for a type of antibody which may indicate that you have mumps.
How do I get tested?
Book a simple blood test now.
Did You Know?
Thanks to immunisation, mumps is rare, but 1 in 10 children who contract mumps will also develop meningitis.
What is mumps?
Mumps is a viral infection that spreads easily via coughs and sneezes. The virus incubates for 2 to 3 weeks before symptoms develop, and a carrier will become infectious after around 12 days. The use of the MMR vaccine has dramatically reduced the cases of mumps diagnosed each year. 100 years ago, it was one of the most common causes of hospitalisation. Today, fewer than 1,000 cases are diagnosed in the UK every year.
Symptoms of mumps
Mumps symptoms include running a temperature, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. But by far the most noticeable symptom of mumps is inflammation of the salivary glands on one or both sides of the face often referred to as "hamster face".
Today, mumps occurs most frequently in post-puberty teenagers and young adults, where the virus can also cause the ovaries or testicles to swell. In young women, the effects subside as the virus passes leaving no lasting damage. In young men, around 1 in 10 experiencing swollen testicles will be left with a lower sperm count, although this rarely affects overall fertility.
Mumps usually passes after one to two weeks and complications are rare. Where they do occur however, they can include meningitis, pancreatitis, encephalitis and (in around 1 in 20,000 cases) deafness.
Can I get mumps if I have been immunised?
Yes. In fact, according to the latest UK government figures, 75% of the few cases of mumps diagnosed each year occur in immunised people as the MMR vaccine is only effective in about 88% of mumps cases. However, immunisation does make complications such as meningitis far less likely.
What should I do if I think I have mumps?
See your GP immediately. However, if you cannot get a swift appointment with your GP, or if seeing your GP is impractical, mumps testing can help you understand the nature of your illness.
What does mumps testing do?
Better2Know's mumps testing checks for an antibody within your blood that indicates whether you have mumps. You might want to take the test because you cannot get an appointment with your GP, or because you are unsure whether your symptoms indicate mumps or something else (for example glandular fever).
How do I get tested?
To get tested, please contact Better2Know on the number above.