Ebola: Symptoms, treatment, and causes
Can You Get Mumps Twice? An Expert Shares Insights
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that leads to symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, and loss of appetite. However, one of the striking features of the condition is swelling in the front of the neck, also called salivary glands, or right in front of the ears, known as parotid glands.
When it comes to mumps, a common question people ask is whether you can get it twice, meaning if you have already had the condition when you were young, can you still get it as an adult or at any other point in time? We asked Dr Tharanath S, Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist, SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, to shed light on the same and to share whether the disease can be prevented.
Also Read: Swelling Of Salivary Glands? Expert Explains Mumps, Its Symptoms And How To Prevent It
How Does Mumps Spread And Who Is Most At Risk?According to StatPearls Publishing, mumps is endemic worldwide, meaning the virus is constantly present around the world; however, epidemic outbreaks occur every few years (roughly every five years) in places where people don't get vaccinated.
Mumps usually spread from person to person through direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva of an infected person.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while there are vaccinations to prevent the disease, outbreaks still occur among groups of people who have prolonged, close contact, such as sharing water bottles or cups, kissing, practising sports together, or living in close quarters with a person who has mumps.
Dr Tharanath says, "Mumps primarily affect children of school-going age groups (5–10), but even adults can get infected."
Can You Get Mumps Twice?When it comes to reinfection with mumps, Dr Tharanath says it's very rare.
Generally, having mumps once confers lifelong immunity, according to the expert.
However, if a person has never been clinically diagnosed with mumps, they should definitely receive a vaccination, according to the doctor.
In fact, the introduction of the mumps vaccine in 1967 led to a 99.8% decrease in documented cases in the United States by 2001, according to research.
Also Read: Mumps Outbreak Grips Kerala: Here's Everything To Know About The Condition
There are currently two vaccines that can help prevent mumps: the MMR vaccine and the MMRV vaccine.
The MMR vaccine protects children and adults from mumps, measles, and rubella, whereas the MMRV vaccine protects children from mumps, measles, rubella, and chickenpox.
Mumps Management TipsWhile the most effective way to prevent mumps is through vaccination, good hygiene practices, and avoiding social gatherings or school if infected, management of mumps focuses on symptomatic treatment for fever and pain, good hydration, watching out for complications, and universal immunisation, according to Dr Tharanath.
He says, "It's crucial to stay hydrated and avoid acidic foods that can irritate swollen salivary glands. Additionally, practising good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, can prevent the spread of the virus."
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
How Does Mumps Spread, And Is It Different For Adults? Expert Answers
Mumps, a contagious viral infection, primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and discomfort. Understanding how mumps spread and its impact on adults is crucial for prevention and management. Talking to the team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Ravinder Goud Jangampally, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad talked about the transmission of mumps and its implications for different age groups.
How Does Mumps Spread?Dr Jangampally said, "Mumps is an infectious viral illness caused by a type of paramyxovirus that falls under the rubulavirus family. Its primary effect is the painful swelling of the salivary glands. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected individual."
This means that when someone with mumps coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the virus can spread to others nearby. Additionally, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with these droplets and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes can also lead to infection.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, other organs, such as the pancreas, ovaries, and testes, can also be affected in some cases.
Is Mumps Different for Adults?Dr Jangampally said that symptoms of mumps appear between 12-25 days after being exposed to the paramyxovirus. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, while mumps can affect individuals of all ages, its impact can vary depending on the age group. Here's how mumps differs for adults:
SymptomsAdults may experience more severe symptoms compared to children. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands. In some cases, adults may also develop complications such as orchitis (testicular inflammation), oophoritis (ovarian inflammation), meningitis, and encephalitis.
TransmissionAdults can transmit the virus similarly to children, through respiratory droplets. However, adults may have a higher viral load and shed the virus for a longer duration, increasing the risk of spreading mumps to others.
ComplicationsAdults are more likely to experience complications from mumps, particularly related to reproductive organs. For example, orchitis can lead to testicular swelling, pain, and in rare cases, infertility. Oophoritis, although less common, can cause ovarian inflammation and potential fertility issues in women.
Also Read: Doctors Concerned Over Rising Cases Of Mumps In India: Here Are Some Home Remedies To Protect Your Kids
Adults who have not been vaccinated or have not received the recommended booster doses are at a higher risk of contracting mumps. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent mumps and its complications.
Mumps Prevention and Management"Timely identification and isolation of affected individuals play a crucial role in halting the virus's spread. Individuals who suspect they might have contracted mumps or have had close contact with a confirmed case should promptly consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance," said Dr Jangampally.
To prevent mumps and reduce its spread, he listed a few steps:
Dr Jangampally concluded that mumps, a viral infection, can lead to considerable discomfort and complications without proper treatment. Recognising its origins, identifying its signs, and adopting preventive measures like vaccination and hygiene practices are crucial in containing its transmission and safeguarding public well-being, whether it is for adults or kids.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Can Mumps Affect Adults?
Access DeniedYou don't have permission to access "http://indianexpress.Com/article/lifestyle/health/can-mumps-outbreak-affect-adults-9303419/" on this server.
Reference #18.6e24c317.1714957402.4e2e6889
https://errors.Edgesuite.Net/18.6e24c317.1714957402.4e2e6889
Comments
Post a Comment