There are currently no anti-viral medications that can be used to treat mumps, so treatment is focused on providing relief from 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 help reduce symptoms of pain. Children who are 16 years of age, or under, should not be given aspirin.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks that are known to stimulate saliva production, such as fruit juice, because excess saliva can cause pain. 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 do not require a lot of chewing, such as soup, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
Preventing the spread of infection
In people with mumps, preventing the spread of infection is also important. The advice below explains the best way to do this.
- 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, and dispose of the tissue in a bin immediately afterwards.
