Mumps in Children: A Guide for Parents on Why It is Spreading and How to Keep the Child Away from It

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that affects children most of the time, causing painful swelling to their salivary glands. Since immunization has done wonders in stamping out most cases, the occurrence of nearly 90% of the cases is still possible in drift areas- places where vaccination rates are low.

In Pongumoodu, Trivandrum, and Nemom, Trivandrum, you will need trusted medical care facilities. Our pediatric clinic in Pongumoodu offers comprehensive treatment and vaccination as well as early diagnosis of infectious diseases like mumps.

What are Mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection caused by the paramyxovirus; it affects the parotid glands which are salivary glands situated close to the level of ears. The virus spreads through:

Direct contact – Sharing a cup or any utensil or personal item with an ailment person

Airborne – Coughing, sneezing or even talking around others releases virus particles into the air.

Touching infected surfaces – The virus can survive on surfaces and spread when a child touches their mouth, nose, or eyes after touching contaminated objects.

What causes Mumps Spread?

Though the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) provides protection, mumps still remain a problem in some regions. Some reasons include:

  1. Poor Coverage of Vaccination

 

MMR vaccine
is the best prevention for mumps. Some children miss their baby vaccination at Nemom, Trivandrum because they are not aware of or confused or parents are concerned about vaccinating.

  1. Crowded Places

Schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds become sources of the infection. The virus is easily transmitted when a child infected with it interacts with others.

  1. Weakened Immune System

Malnourished kids with a lack of sleep or some other medical conditions would have an effect on their immune system. Thus putting them at a higher risk of getting infections, including mumps.

  1. Traveling and Exposure to Outbreak Areas

Families travel to endemic areas during mumps outbreaks and might unknowingly carry the virus back to their communities. Symptoms do not become evident until 12-25 days after exposure; hence, infected individuals can unknowingly spread the virus before realizing they are sick.

Here are the symptoms of mumps in children:

Swelling and pain in the salivary glands– It is the disease-defining symptoms of mumps are swollen glands in the area of jaw and ears.

Fever– Febrile mild to High Fever as swelling is usually present with it.

Headache and body aches– The child feels weak and tired and experiences muscle pain.

 

Difficulty swallowing or chewing– Eating or drinking becomes painful due to swollen glands.

Appetite loss and lethargy– Most children are not feeling fine and prefer to take rest.

In case your child has any of the above symptoms, then consult a pediatrician for newborns in Pongumoodu, Trivandrum or a visit to a children’s hospital in Nemom for right diagnosis and treatment.

 

How to Prevent Mumps in Children

It is much easier to prevent mumps than to treat it. Parents can adopt several measures to safeguard their children against the disease.

  1. Complete Vaccination

Complete protection from mumps is gained through the MMR vaccine. It is divided into two doses:

  • First dose: 10 months
  • Second dose: 15 months
  • Third dose: 4.5 Years

If your child has missed any doses, visit a baby doctor near Pongumoodu or a children’s care center near Nemom for vaccination. Children who are not vaccinated are nine times more prone to developing mumps.

  1. Teach Good Hygiene Habits

Good hygiene should be taught to children since mumps can be transmitted through saliva and respiratory droplets.

  • Covering mouth while sneezing/coughing– Teach children to use elbow or tissue instead of their own hands.

 

  • Avoid sharing personal items– Do not share cups, utensils, water bottles, or towels.
  1. Boost Your Child’s Immunity

A well-developed immune system will fight against infections. Ensure that your child:

  • Has the right types of food- indulged in a very nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
  • Sleep enough (10-12 hours for younger children).
  • Be physically active and consume enough water.
  • You can get expert nutrition advice from a newborn pediatrician in Pongumoodu, Trivandrum.
  1. Keep Sick Children at Home

When a child is sick, especially with the illness of mumps, they should be kept at home well to prevent the spreading of the virus to other persons. Usually, doctors advise, Rest and Hydration Soft foods to ease chewing discomfort, and Pain relievers for fever and discomfort.

Why Are Our Paediatrics The Best in Service?

Well-being comes first for everyone. Affordable, yet the best pediatric care for all children in Trivandrum.

Some of our services:

  • Full Child Health Checkup in Trivandrum – Routine screenings for detection and prevention of diseases.
  • Newborn Care in Trivandrum – Special newborn care for healthy growth and development.
  • Baby Vaccination in Nemom, Trivandrum – All timely vaccinations for children against preventable diseases.
  • Pediatric Hospitals Near Nemom – Quality health care for children of all ages.

Do Cold Cries for a Doctor?

  • Meet the doctor in case of persistent high fever above 102 °F.
  • Major periorbital swelling obstructing breathing or swallowing
  • Rigidity of the neck or severe headache
  • Hearing problems (in rare cases, mumps are known to cause hearing loss)

Meet a baby doctor near Pongumoodu or rush to any children’s hospitals in the vicinity of Nemom, Trivandrum to get proper immediacy.

Conclusion

This is because it is actually a preventable disease, but it gets propagated due to the failure to deliver vaccinations and awareness. Your child gets his baby vaccinated in Nemom, Trivandrum, practices good hygiene and increases immunity are the best ways to keep him safe.

If your child requires a health check-up or requires vaccination or treatment, do visit our paediatric clinic in Pongumoodu. Book for a paediatrician for your newborn in Pongumoodu, Trivandrum and give your child the best medical care today!