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The main symptom of mumps is painful swelling around your cheeks and neck, which gets worse over a few days.
This may cause earache, or make it harder to chew, swallow or speak.
The swelling usually starts on 1 side of your face first before appearing on both.
Sometimes you may only get swelling on 1 side or not get any swelling at all.
Other symptoms of mumps include:
These symptoms might start a few days before the swelling.
It's also possible to have mumps without any symptoms.
It's very unlikely to be mumps if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had mumps before.
The GP will arrange a test to confirm if it's mumps.
Mumps can spread to others easily. Speak to your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.
Mumps usually gets better without treatment within 2 weeks.
After you've seen a GP, there are things you can do to help ease symptoms.
rest
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with swelling, aches and pain (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
gently hold a warm towel against the cheeks and neck to help with pain or discomfort
Mumps is caused by a virus that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
If you or your child have mumps, you can reduce the risk of spreading it by:
Stay off work or keep children out of school or nursery for at least 5 days after the swelling starts to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Most people with mumps get better within 2 weeks, but sometimes it can cause further problems, including:
These are more likely if you get mumps as a teenager or adult, but they usually do not cause any serious long-term problems.
You or your child have mumps and:
You can call 111, or get help from 111 online for people aged 5 and over.
You or your child have mumps and:
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
The MMR vaccine helps prevent mumps.
The vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Ask your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.
