There are currently no anti-viral medications that can be used to treat mumps. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms until your body’s immune system manages to fight off the infection.
The self-care techniques listed below should help.
- Get plenty of bed rest until your symptoms have passed.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can relieve pain (children aged 16 or under should not be given aspirin).
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid acidic drinks such as fruit juice as these can irritate your parotid glands. Water is usually the best fluid to drink.
- Applying a cold compress to your swollen glands should help to reduce the pain.
- Eat foods that don't require a lot of chewing, such as soup, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs.
If your symptoms don’t improve after seven days, or they suddenly worsen, contact your GP for advice.
Preventing the spread of infection
If you or your child has mumps, it’s important to prevent the infection spreading, particularly around younger people who were born between 1980 to 1990 (these people are unlikely to have immunity due to previous infection, but are also unlikely to have been vaccinated).
The best way to do this is to:
- Stay away from school, college or work until five days after the onset of your symptoms.
- Wash your hands regularly, using soap and water.
- Always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. Throw the tissue in a bin immediately afterwards.
