Warning-sign checks
Mumps: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Get emergency help for:
- A severe headache with a stiff neck or strong light sensitivity
- Confusion, unusual behaviour, or difficulty waking
- A seizure
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
These symptoms do not necessarily mean mumps has caused a serious complication, but they need immediate assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
- Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
- Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
- Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
- Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
- Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
- Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
- Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen todayContact a healthcare service promptly if you think you or your child may have mumps.
Call before attending in person.
Seek urgent same-day medical advice for:
- Sudden, severe, or increasing testicular pain or swelling
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as very little urine or increasing drowsiness
- New hearing loss or a major change in hearing
- Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentThis allows the service to arrange testing and limit exposure to other patients.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mumps. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.