Mumps Vaccination
Mumps is a highly contagious infection that causes swelling and inflammation in one or both parotid glands, commonly known as the salivary glands, located below and in front of each earlobe. It spreads through sneezing, coughing, or contact with respiratory fluids from an infected person. Mumps can also affect the body’s systems and lead to various complications, such as pancreatitis, oophoritis, orchitis, hearing loss, infertility, and neurological issues like meningitis.
Travel Vaccinations
Per Dose
Course
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
£59 per dose
2 Doses
Prevention
The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella and is administered in two doses, with a recommended gap of at least four weeks between each dose for full immunity benefits. Adults and older children who missed their scheduled MMR vaccine as kids can still receive it at any time during adulthood. Having one dose of the MMR vaccine significantly increases the likelihood of protection against mumps.
Countries at Risk
Mumps is frequently encountered in regions across Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and South America. Additionally, countries such as the United States, Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and various European nations have experienced mumps outbreaks at times.
Travel Precautions
When travelling and aiming to safeguard against mumps infection risks, two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended prior to departure, with a month’s buffer for effectiveness. Additionally, it’s advisable to maintain hygiene standards by attending to personal cleanliness diligently.
- Remember to wash your hands
- Apply hand sanitizer
- Ensure you touch your face with clean hands
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid interactions with unwell individuals
Signs and Symptoms
The mumps infection is easily recognizable due to swelling that occurs on the sides of the face and below the ears a few days after experiencing the initial symptoms. These initial signs may include headaches, joint discomfort, fever, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, ear pain, neck discomfort, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).