The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan > Diseases and Conditions

​Mumps​​​

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands (salivary glands located near the ears). If you or your child contracts mumps, it will cause swelling to both the parotid glands. This virus is spread through saliva and can affect any part of the body. After you or your child has had mumps, it is very difficult to contract it again, making the repetition of the disease almost impossible.​​

There are almost no symptoms of Mumps. When they do appear, they are mild and will appear after two to three weeks after you or your child has contracted the virus. The following may be seen:

  • You or your child will have swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis)

  • You or your child will have muscle aches

  • You or your child will feel feverish which can go up to a fever of103 degrees Fahrenheit 

  • You or your child will face loss of appetite

  • You or your child will have headaches

  • You or your child will feel pain while chewing or swallowing

  • You or your child will have weakness and fatigue​​

For a preliminary examination, you can consult doctors from the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

Inform your doctor at the Internal Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you or your child feels the above symptoms. The team will be able to examine you quickly to avoid the spread of disease. ​​ ​
Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​

Your doctor will easily identify the symptoms which present themselves as mumps. The most evident symptom is usually swollen cheeks that are painful to touch.

Our doctors may ask for a blood test with antibodies (Mumps IgG) that the body has produced to fight the virus. This will prove that you have been infected.

Disclaimer: Kindly consult your physician before getting the above-mentioned tests.​

There is no set treatment for mumps and no medications are prescribed. The patient is usually asked to rest it out and wait for the virus to pass out from the body. It usually takes around two weeks for the fever and symptoms to subside. In the attempts to provide relief to your child, your doctor may ask you to take the following measures: 

  • Monitor fever

  • Introduce soft diet where there is not a lot of chewing involved

  • Avoid spicy and acidic food and fruits

  • Avoid fizzy drinks

  • Introduce a lot of fluids and water in the diet.

Your child can play but should not be doing it publicly as mumps are contagious.

Vaccinations should be given at birth to avoid this virus. Vaccinations for measles can easily be procured from the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital.​​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.​