Mumps
What is mumps?
- It usually presents with swelling of the parotid salivary gland (located at the angle of the jaw), in front of the ears and as a flu like illness.
- May also cause orchitis (swelling of the testicles), oophoritis (swelling of the ovaries) and can affect the central nervous system causing meningitis or deafness.
- Your studies could be affected as you would feel unwell for a few weeks and be required to avoid lectures and tutorials for a minimum of five days.
How to protect yourself against mumps:
- Check with your doctor regarding your MMR vaccinations or whether you have had mumps.
- If not, the doctor will be able to administer the vaccinations - usually two doses of MMR three months apart. If this is not possible, then one dose will still provide reasonable protection.
- If you have had only one previous MMR vaccination then you should have another one.
- The MMR vaccine is available free of charge from your GP.
Further information on Mumps and MMR Vaccine
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