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occurring during childhood, that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands as well as other general symptoms.

* What causes mumps?

Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus. It is spread through the saliva, and also through oral and nasal mucous excretions. Mumps is contagious for about two weeks, beginning three days prior to the onset of symptoms.

* Mumps symptoms include:

Fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite, followed by painful swelling of the salivary glands (enlarged cheeks).

Symptoms usually last ten to twelve days. As many as one third of infected individuals have no symptoms, but are still contagious. Possible complications include encephalitis and meningitis; and in adults an inflammation of the testicles (males), or ovaries (females).

* Mumps treatment:

Mumps is a viral illness, and it must complete its cycle. Fever reducing medications (NOT including aspirin) and application of heat or cold to the cheek area can relieve discomfort.

* The MMR vaccine:

Complications from mumps, measles and rubella are potentially life threatening and are not uncommon. The use of the MMR vaccination has been invaluable in reducing mortality as a result of these illnesses.

* Is MMR safe?

Parents may be aware of public concern about the safety of the MMR vaccine with regard to the occurrence of Autism. However, though some experts like to point out a correlation between the usual age for MMR vaccination and the age at which autism is often diagnosed, many other experts correctly note that NO definitive link has been found between the MMR vaccine and Autism. Research and debate over this issue will continue, but the benefits of vaccination are irrefutable. The MMR vaccine is considered generally safe.

Some parents think that since measles, mumps and rubella are not nearly as common as they used to be, they may safely skip immunizing their child, but this is a risky notion. Complications of measles, mumps and rubella may serious or even fatal, and these viruses are still among us. Also, achieving immunity in a large percentage of the population is vital to preventing the spread of disease.

Learn more about this author, Ysabel J. Doran.
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