Early symptoms of mumps
Disease description:
I had mumps during this period and stayed at home without going out, but it was not severe. I would like to ask, what are the early symptoms of mumps?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Mumps, commonly referring to epidemic parotitis caused by the mumps virus, may present with the following early symptoms:
1. Mild fever: Initially, patients may experience a low-grade or moderate fever, with body temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 39°C.
2. Muscle aches: General malaise, with pain possibly occurring in the neck and back muscles.
3. Fatigue: Feeling weak, with reduced physical stamina and easy tiredness.
4. Headache: Mild to moderate headache.
5. Loss of appetite: Patients may experience a decreased appetite due to the illness.
The most characteristic symptom is swelling of the parotid glands, which typically begins to appear within 2–3 days of illness onset. It manifests as swelling and pain in the areas on both sides of the face near the lower part of the ears, particularly noticeable during chewing or swallowing. These symptoms may gradually worsen over one to two weeks, and then gradually subside.
Symptoms of mumps can differ somewhat between adults and children, with symptoms in children usually being more typical. If the above symptoms appear, especially swelling of the parotid glands, prompt medical attention should be sought.
