The contagious period of mumps is how many days?

Written by Peng Miao Yun

Internal Medicine

Updated on September 11, 2024

00:00

00:00

Mumps is contagious and is mainly caused by viral mumps, also known as epidemic mumps. It is caused by the mumps virus, an acute respiratory infectious disease, and is mainly transmitted through droplets. The main patients are school-age children. The contagious period of mumps is generally about 2 to 3 weeks, during which it is highly contagious and requires isolation and treatment. Since the viral infection in the patient's body starts a few days before the symptoms appear, and is contagious until the swelling of the parotid glands subsides, isolation is advisable within 2 to 3 weeks.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

55sec

home-news-image

Is mumps contagious?

Mumps may be contagious as it is often caused by infection with the mumps virus. Initially, the virus can spread through daily activities, especially through close contact, infecting others. This rate of contagion and incidence is relatively higher among children and adolescents. In terms of treatment, it is advised to undergo a parotid gland ultrasound and a routine blood test. If it is determined to be an acute bacterial infection, antibiotics should be considered. If it is a viral infection causing inflammation, antiviral medications should be considered. Additionally, topical ointments including traditional Chinese medicine or herbal remedies may be applied externally to reduce swelling, kill bacteria, and disinfect. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

home-news-image

Written by Wang Ji Zhong

Internal Medicine

48sec

home-news-image

What are the early symptoms of mumps?

Mumps has a significant impact on the human body, especially in children. Its complications include orchitis, pneumonia, etc., seriously affecting human health. Mumps can be categorized into purulent, immune, and epidemic types. Generally, when we refer to mumps, it is usually epidemic mumps, which has a relatively sudden onset and is caused by the mumps virus. Early symptoms include swelling of the parotid gland, with early redness and swelling at the opening of the parotid duct, and as it progresses, swelling around the earlobe. This can also lead to a lack of strength in the masseter muscles, affecting eating, localized skin heating, and severe cases may have headaches, fever, and loss of appetite among other systemic manifestations.

home-news-image

Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

50sec

home-news-image

What causes mumps in children?

Mumps in children is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the mumps virus, characterized primarily by the enlargement of the salivary glands. It can be complicated by meningitis and pancreatitis. Clinically, it presents as mumps with symptoms including fever, headache, loss of appetite, and discomfort. Within 24 hours, pain beneath the earlobe occurs, with the center of the earlobe presenting a saddle-like shape, swelling accompanied by pain. The salivary glands shrink after four to five days, and the salivary duct appears red and swollen, which aids in diagnosis. Some children may also develop complications such as meningitis and pancreatitis. After the age of ten, male children may experience complications like orchitis.

home-news-image

Written by Wang Peng

Dentistry

43sec

home-news-image

Can hot compresses be used to reduce swelling in mumps?

Patients with mumps can use hot compresses as an adjunct treatment, but hot compresses usually do not reduce swelling. Mumps is generally caused by bacterial or viral infections, so the local swelling is not directly related to the patient's stagnation of blood. Although hot compresses can alleviate some pain, they cannot invigorate the blood and dissipate blood stasis; therefore, they do not effectively reduce swelling. It is recommended that patients with viral mumps undergo antiviral treatment, while those with bacterial mumps should receive anti-inflammatory treatment. Additionally, during treatment, it is important to ensure proper isolation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

home-news-image

Written by Wang Ji Zhong

Internal Medicine

1min 5sec

home-news-image

How is mumps treated in children?

The mumps we commonly refer to as children's mumps is epidemic mumps, which is prevalent among children and is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It commonly occurs in the autumn and winter seasons and presents symptoms like fever and swollen salivary glands, along with general discomfort. It also frequently leads to complications such as meningitis, orchitis, and oophoritis. Patients may experience mild pain and increased pain when opening the mouth to eat. In such cases, it is important to isolate the patient, ensure bed rest until the swelling of the salivary glands completely subsides, and maintain oral cleanliness. Avoid acidic foods that may irritate the mouth, ensure adequate fluid intake, and focus on symptomatic treatment. Since antibiotics are ineffective against the mumps virus, severe cases may require antiviral medication treatment and attention to local swelling and pain relief, hoping for a swift recovery. (Please use medication under the guidance of a medical professional.)