Mumps is an acute and contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and discomfort. While once common, cases have significantly decreased thanks to vaccination programmes.
In this short explainer, we use the 4T’s framework to break down the key facts:
✅ Type: What mumps is, its early flu-like symptoms, and the distinctive swelling of the cheeks and jaw
✅ Transmission: How mumps spreads through coughs, sneezes, close contact, and contaminated objects
✅ Threat: Why unvaccinated teenagers and young adults are most at risk, and the potential complications such as meningitis, hearing loss, or fertility problems
✅ Treatment & Prevention: How to manage symptoms and why the MMR vaccine is the best protection
Staying up to date with vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from this potentially serious disease.
