Check if you or your child have mumps
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:
- headache
- high temperature
- muscle aches
- feeling tired
- not being as hungry as usual
These symptoms might start a few days before the swelling.
It's also possible to have mumps without any symptoms.
If you're not sure it's mumps
It's very unlikely to be mumps if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had mumps before.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a GP if:
- you think you or your child may have mumps
- you or your child have been in close contact with someone who has mumps, and you've not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine or 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.
Things you can do if you or your child have mumps
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.
Do
-
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)
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gently hold a warm towel against the cheeks and neck to help with pain or discomfort
How to avoid spreading mumps
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:
- staying at home and avoiding other people if you're ill
- washing your hands often with soap and warm water
- using tissues when you cough or sneeze, and then putting them in the bin
- not sharing towels, bedding, clothes, cups or cutlery
Important
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.
Complications of mumps
Most people with mumps get better within 2 weeks, but sometimes it can cause further problems, including:
- swollen testicles (balls) – called orchitis
- swollen ovaries
- meningitis
- pancreatitis
- temporary hearing loss in 1 ear
These are more likely if you get mumps as a teenager or adult, but they usually do not cause any serious long-term problems.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You or your child have mumps and:
- have tummy or back pain
- have painful or swollen testicles (balls)
You can call 111, or get help from 111 online for people aged 5 and over.
Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:
You or your child have mumps and:
- have a very bad headache
- are being sick (vomiting)
- have a stiff neck
- have a dislike of bright light
- are confused or disoriented
- have a fit or seizure
- pass out (faint)
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.
Get vaccinated against mumps
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.
Page last reviewed: 09 July 2025
Next review due: 09 July 2028