The mumps virus will cause the cheeks to look swollen or puffy and feel warm to the touch. Mumps is actually named as such because “mumps” was the term used to describe the puffy lumps or bumps in the cheeks.
Fever and headache Weakness, muscle aches and fatigue Pain in the throat while chewing or swallowing and a loss of appetite Swollen, painful testicles in adolescent boys, or swollen ovaries in adolescent girls, which can cause abdominal pain. [3] X Research source
Symptoms of the mumps virus usually do not present themselves until two to three weeks after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may seem rather mild and are often misidentified as the flu or even just the common cold.
There are other illnesses such as inflamed tonsils, another viral or bacterial infection, or blockage of the salivary glands that could produce similar symptoms. See a doctor if you have any reason to suspect that you have the mumps. Let your doctor know about your concerns before you arrive at the doctor’s office to avoid long waits where you could possibly infect others.
The vaccine is usually provided to children in two doses: one between twelve and fifteen months in age, and another at either age four to six or eleven to twelve. Adults that have not been vaccinated should also receive the vaccine in two doses. A single dose does not seem to provide sufficient protection against the virus.
The mumps can be transmitted through the air via tiny droplets of saliva released through coughing or sneezing. Do not drink from the glass of anyone you suspect to be infected with the mumps virus.
The blood test confirms a mumps infection by identifying the antibodies the human body produces to combat the mumps. An oral swab is usually also taken to confirm the presence of the mumps virus.
Inflammation of the testicles, breasts, ovaries, pancreas and parts of the brain can lead to significant health issues and even death. The mumps virus can cause hearing loss in some people. The mumps virus can possibly cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
You can apply warm or cold compresses to the cheeks to help with the pain and swelling. You should also eat more soft foods and avoid sour foods. People are no longer contagious a week after a verified mumps virus test. People often recover within two weeks of a positive mumps test provided there are no additional complications.
