Is Mumps Disease Contagious?

Posted on Sat, 16 Jul 2022

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 Answered on

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,

I had recently taken the 1st dose of MMR vaccine as I will be traveling to the US next month. I had taken the vaccine on the 28th of XXXXXXX Yesterday, I developed symptoms of mumps, I had a swollen check (more on the right cheek compared to the left one) and was also feeling a bit feverish in the afternoon.

I don't have a fever now and there is no physical pain in the swollen check area. Should I be taking any medicines/ antibiotics for the mumps infection?

Also is this disease contagious, should I be wearing a mask and interacting with family members?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It seems post-MMR swollen glands

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

It seems that you have developed swollen glands after the MMR vaccine. It will resolve by itself in few days. Antibiotics are not effective in a viral infection but can be taken if infection worsens or some complication arises. You can take pain-killers like ibuprofen (avoid aspirin) 200 mg od or bd only if pain develops. I don't think it will spread but taking precautions like mask is worthwhile.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (12 hours later)

Hello Doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I have a follow-up question. My 2nd dose of the vaccine is due on 26th July, is it safe to take it? I would be traveling to the US on the 10th Aug so want to take the vaccine a couple of weeks in advance.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Covid vaccine only after complete recovery from swollen glands

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Covid vaccine should not be taken in the presence of any sore throat or inflammation.
So I would recommend that you take covid vaccine second dose only after complete recovery of ongoing swollen glands.

Regards
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 minute later)

Hello,

Sorry forgot to mention earlier that it is not covid but 2nd dose of MMR vaccine that is due on 26th

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MMR

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

It is recommended for international travelers to take two doses of MMR before travel and separated by atleast 28 days. In your case, I would not recommend second dose of MMR so soon. One dose should be sufficient to provide immunity in you for the travelling. Anyways second dose should happen after subsiding of current symptoms.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj