Mumps, also known as parotitis, is a viral infection that is present in the parotid glands, or salivary glands. Although mumps may have existed before the actual discovery and documentation, the first mumps breakout was documented in 1934. After the outbreak, more research was set out to be made to find out exactly how to not only handle the complications but to prevent them. This viral infection was found in numerous places including right here in the Unites States of America. Although mumps is usually seen in children, adults must make sure they take the preventive actions as well.
Adults are just as susceptible as children and need to take preventative measures.
The mumps main way of transmission is through respiratory droplets that become airborne when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Someone can also become infected by sharing utensils or cups with someone who has already contracted the virus. The new host would breath in these respiratory droplets that have become airborne and the virus would begin to infect a new host.
Once infected the host may began to experience the signs and symptoms. Although not very common, there are those who are immune to the disease and do not have to worry about the transmission. This can be proven through lab blood tests.
The severity of symptoms can vary between no symptoms or mild symptoms of the disease. These symptoms include “Pain in the swollen salivary glands on one or both side of your face, pain while chewing or swallowing, fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness and fatigue, and loss of appetite.” (Druitz 2018) If one shows any signs of these symptoms it was always recommended for the patient to see a medical provider as soon as possible.
Until the time was found to go see a medical provider it is recommended to apply a cold compress and take over the counter pain relievers to further ease the symptoms. Complications can occur from the swelling that mumps cause throughout the body. The complication of swelling can occur in the testicles, brain, pancreas, ears and more.
Treatment for the mumps includes bed rest along with inflammation, fever, and pain management. Prevention has become a vital point in lowering the amount of cases seen of mumps. The largest asset in prevention has been the vaccine that was developed also known as the MMR vaccine. “The MMR vaccine was licensed in 1971, and a second dose was introduced in 1989.” (Gardner 2018) These vaccines should be given when a child is between the ages of 12 to 15 months and the second dose should be set to be given when the child is between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Like with any vaccines there are always some precautions such as, “consider waiting if you’re moderately or severely ill or if you’re pregnant.” (Druitz 2018) It is because of this vaccine that the amount of actual cases of the mumps has dropped dramatically. There are a few side effects to the vaccine. Although “most people experience no side effects from the vaccine. Some people experience a mild fever, rash, or achy joints for a short time. (Druitz 2018) Even though these side effects are a risk, it has been proven that the MMR is a safe vaccine that should be given to prevent the viral infection.
Because the number of mumps cases are so low, when someone experiences a common symptom like swelling, they tend to not think it’s mumps and it’s any other illness. Perhaps a different viral infection or a blocked salivary gland could have also cause these symptoms.
In conclusion, mumps although a viral infection that can cause many complications has become extremely controlled thanks to the vaccine and other preventative measures. If we continue these prevention methods that were previously explained and continue to educate the importance of the vaccinations we can bring down the number of mumps cases lower each year.
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