Guide To The Symptoms Of Mumps

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.

Keep reading for more details about the symptoms individuals can expect to encounter with a case of the mumps now.

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.

Learn more about the warning signs of mumps now.