• Viral infection mainly affecting salivary glands
• Symptoms may include swelling of the salivary gland between the jaw and ears, fever, and ear pain
• Spread by breathing infected droplets in the air or contact with infected saliva
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age
• May be mild to severe and rarely life threatening
• Preventable through vaccination

• Avoid exposing infection to other people by staying home and practicing good hand washing and cleaning habits
• Avoid sour foods and food that require a lot of chewing

FOR FEVER

• Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen