Mumps

Mumps is an infection caused by myxo virus. Mumps usually affects the parotid salivary glands. Either one side or both sides develop swelling. In some cases, mumps affects pancreas and leads to abdominal tenderness. In severe cases, mumps can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. Mumps can also lead to hearing loss and painful swollen breasts. Mumps is highly contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing and touching utensils used by an infected person. Mumps vaccine is given as part of MMR vaccine along with measles and German measles. Mumps vaccine is given in 2 doses and is part of the immunization schedule for children.

Typical symptoms of mumps include headache, body ache and low-grade fever. There is swelling on the cheek and jaws. Headache and loss of appetite are also noticed. Swallowing and eating becomes painful. A person suffering from mumps may feel drowsy and suffer convulsions. In some adolescent or adult males, mumps may lead to painful swelling of the testicles.

Mumps can be confirmed through blood, saliva or urine tests. An attack of mumps lasts for about a fortnight. The patient must be given plenty of fluids. Paracetamol is useful in reducing the fever. Pain relievers can ease the pain and ache associated with mumps.

MMR Vaccination

The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine; a mixture of three live attenuated viruses. It is given as part of the MMR vaccine (protecting against Measles, Mumps and Rubella). All girls should be vaccinated against German measles. This is to prevent problems during pregnancy. First the measles vaccine was developed, later the mumps vaccine and finally the rubella vaccine was developed. They were combined into a single vaccination in the year 1971. These days a vaccine called the MMRV is available which is used to address mumps, measles, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).

Vaccine dosage

These days all children are administered the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or Priorix) in two doses.

1. The first dose is administered in 12-15 months
2. The second one in 3 years.

Women who have been vaccinated with this vaccine should avoid getting pregnant for a period of 3 months from the date of the vaccination. The first dose of MMR vaccine produces good immunity to measles (95–98%), mumps (97%), and rubella (95%). The second dose of MMR is supposed to produce immunity in people who did not respond to the first dose; however a very small percentage of people may not be protected even after a second dose.

MMR Vaccine

MMR Vaccine is part of the recommended immunization schedule for children. It protects them against measles, mumps and rubella. While the first dose is given around 12 months, the second MMR vaccine is given around 4 years. There may be mild fever and swollen glands as a reaction to the MMR vaccine. Some children have redness or soreness at the site of the MMR vaccine injection. In rare cases, there is severe allergic to the MMR vaccine. It must not be administered to persons with a known allergy to gelatin or compromised immune system. Pregnant women must never be given an MMR vaccine.