Mumps is an acute viral disease that is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Some people may have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms, but they can transmit the virus from one to another, causing the infected person to suffer from the disease with many symptoms.
Today I want to talk to you about some myths and some truths about mumps, but first of all I consider it very important to know what they are in detail.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Symptoms of mumps include a low-grade but constant fever, swelling, or tenderness in one of the salivary glands in the cheeks and under the jaw. In men past puberty, up to 30% may experience testicular pain and swelling. Symptoms generally appear 12 to 25 days after a person has been exposed to the mumps virus.
It is usual that 30 or 40% of infected people have no symptoms and that almost 50% have non-specific symptoms, but above all they may have respiratory symptoms with or without infection in the salivary glands.
But the most common symptoms are: fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, swollen and painful salivary glands.
Is there some kind of prevention?
There is no single vaccine to protect you against mumps, although the vaccine given for mumps is a combination vaccine called the triple virus that also protects against measles, rubella (and mumps).
Myths and Truths About Mumps
Here are some of the myths and truths that we normally hear about this disease:
Both salivary glands are always inflamed
Fake. In many cases in mumps only one salivary gland becomes inflamed, it does not always affect both sides.
It is better to expose children to the virus
Fake. It is better to prevent the disease and not promote the massive spread of this disease. It is better that if you have a child who is infected, all members of the family get vaccinated to prevent contagion and the child remains at home until the illness improves.
Vaccinated people will never get it again
Fake. If you have only been vaccinated once in your life, you are likely to get mumps because it takes all three doses. If the three correct doses are not applied, you will not really be protected against the virus. This is why many adults who say they are vaccinated as children do not understand why they contract the disease from adults., and most likely they did not receive all three vaccines correctly. The correct doses were at 4 year, 11½ and 3 years. But in Spain this has changed and only two vaccines are necessary, one a year and the other at 4 or XNUMX years. If all the doses are met, the person will be protected against the disease.
Can someone get mumps twice?
Fake. Childhood eruptive diseases such as chickenpox, mumps or rubella only occur once in a lifetime since once it has been infected, immunity against these viruses is achieved. In some exceptional cases in which there are pictures of malnutrition and tuberculosis, it could happen, but they are extreme and very exceptional cases. There are people who think that they have had the mumps more than once in their life, but probably one of the two times it was a different disease.
Are children at a higher risk of infection than adults?
Fake. If a person who has not been vaccinated against the virus is in contact with someone infected, it is very likely that they will also be infected, regardless of age. Health checks are more rigorous with children because they are our future, But adults should also consider whether they are on the full mumps vaccination schedule.
Adults should not be vaccinated against mumps
Fake. Adults born in 1957 or older, including non-pregnant women of childbearing age who do not have a medical contraindication should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine, unless they can document that they have received at least one dose of MMR vaccine. mumps vaccine and showing acceptable evidence of immunity to the disease. In addition, university students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers are at increased risk of contracting mumps and must receive two doses of the vaccine or show acceptable evidence of immunity to ensure adequate protection for themselves and for the rest of society.
Vaccines are not safe
Fake. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective with few side effects in vaccinated people. Some mild reactions such as fever or redness and swelling at the injection site are known.
Adult women rarely have joint symptoms such as pain or stiffness at the vaccine site. As with any medicine, there are small risks that could lead to serious problems after receiving the vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with measles, mumps, and rubella are much greater than the potential risks associated with the vaccine. The triple viral vaccine should not be given to people who are pregnant or severely immunosuppressed.
But this vaccine must be administered in a healthy person in order to be protected against these three diseases that today are controlled thanks to the fact that these vaccines are administered.
Has it been clear to you what mumps is and the myths and truths that surround it? Do you have more questions about this disease? Remember that if you are not vaccinated, it is a good idea to do so to prevent you from getting it or from you infecting other people with this disease. Mumps may go uncomplicated or turn into a disease with health complications.