Guide To The Symptoms Of Mumps

May 13, 2023

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection affecting the salivary glands of the throat. This condition was historically very common until the vaccination was developed and made routine for children. Since then, the number of cases has dropped dramatically, though outbreaks do still occur in close-contact settings and in those who have not received the vaccine. Complications, such as hearing loss, can arise from mumps, particularly if it is left untreated.

For most individuals, though, mumps will present with several of the following common symptoms.

Muscle Aches And Headaches

Individuals suffering from mumps will often experience muscle aches and headaches. In fact, they are typically some of the first symptoms to arise once an individual has become infected with the virus. This is because the initial onset of mumps produces symptoms very similar to those associated with the flu. When the body is exposed to an infection, it sends a slew of white blood cells to the primarily affected area to fight the virus. This is what causes the body to feel achy and weak, both in the muscles and in the head.

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Pain When Chewing And Swallowing

Because of the swelling and inflammation of the glands near the throat, it's also common for mumps patients to experience pain when chewing and swallowing. This is not one of the initial symptoms. As the infection grows and progresses, the patient will first experience a variety of flu-like symptoms before the salivary glands near the ears begin to swell, called parotitis. As the glands inflame, which can become very extreme if one searches for photos of mumps cases, pressure is put on the areas surrounding the mouth and throat. Typically, patients will lose their desire to eat from a combination of flu-like symptoms as well as physical pain when chewing and swallowing.

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Appetite Loss

Appetite loss is another common symptom of mumps that similarly mimics the flu and other illnesses. When an individual is sick, their body requires all of the energy it has at its disposal to try to fight off the infection. The body undertakes a major, complex inflammatory response in an attempt to 'right the wrong' and, during this process, produces a large number of cytokines. These chemicals are the primary culprit for the mumps patient's decreased appetite. Lowering the body's hunger drive frees up an extra amount of energy that can then be used to participate in the immune system's response to the pathogen. Appetite loss also discourages the virus from growing more, as it can decrease certain substances the virus can feed on.

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Fatigue And Weakness

Like the previously mentioned flu-like symptoms, fatigue and weakness are also associated with the beginning phases of the mumps. Most of these symptoms present themselves around one to two weeks after the initial passing of the infection takes place. Like decreased appetite, fatigue and weakness are a result of the body expending any and all energy to fight off the infection and prevent the further growth of the virus. Decreased food (and thus energy) intake, disrupted sleep, and lack of rest all contribute to the tiredness and weakness individuals feel when they are ill, and mumps is no different in this regard. Staying hydrated and forcing oneself to consume at least some nutrients is the only way to improve these particular symptoms.

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High Fever

Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of the mumps is the presence of a high fever. A fever associated with the mumps, typically up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, can present immediately or develop rapidly as time passes and other symptoms develop. This is true for adult patients as well as children. Fevers are caused by certain chemicals (called pyrogens) in the blood, which make their way to the hypothalamus, the area of the brain responsible for maintaining body temperature. One purpose of a high fever is to produce a hostile environment in the body, effectively killing the virus. However, fevers can be extremely dangerous and treatment to reduce it should be utilized immediately.

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