Mumps is caused by a virus. It is very contagious and can lead to serious complications, such as hearing loss. Although it used to be very common, vaccines have eliminated most cases in the United States. 

According to the CDC, people with mumps experience swollen jaw and cheeks, as well as fever, head and body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms can worsen to inflammation of the spinal cord and brain, loss of hearing, and swelling of the testicles. 

You can catch mumps when someone with the illness cough or sneezes or if you touch a surface that infected people have touched. 

Mumps Vaccine

The mumps vaccine is part of a combination of protective vaccinations given in two doses, one from 12 to 15 months of age and the second 4 to 6 years of age 

• The MMR vaccine protects children and adults from mumps, measles, and rubella
• The MMRV vaccine protects children from mumps, measles, rubella, and chickenpox

Your doctor can help you decide which is best for your family.