Mumps - How Long Til Swelling Goes?

[jubieanna]

Hello everyone - long time no see.
I have mumps and work in a school. i have been off this week on the advice of the doctor. infectious for 5 days after the swelling first appeared ( Monday)
my glands on the other side and under my neck have started swelling and are painful now and i look like a bullfrog! not pleasant....

Does this mean I am still contagious to others... please help I'm confused

[shaneystar2]

I think it's contagious for about five days after the onset .
I got them in my late fifties and it was very ,very ,unpleasant .
In fact it was bloody awful !
It started off one side and then took off on the other side .It took about three weeks before I felt better .Just keep away from young people .Stay at home until it's gone .
I felt like punching the wall at times . I hope your GP has given you a good painkiller .I do sympathise .Mumps are no fun as an adult ,and hope that you feel better soon .

[jubieanna]

it has been awful shaneystar2 :-( thank you for the sympathy...

i think i will stay off next week or until the swelling and pain subside completely even though the doctor said im not contagious after 5 days. working in a school i need to be careful.

thank you for the reply

[Sqad]

Yes Iam afraid it does.......another 5days from the onset of swelling on the others side.

[jubieanna]

Thank you sqad

I haven't heard of mumps for a long time. Has there been an increase in cases lately. We have had 6 confirmed cases in our school recently.

[Smowball]

No advice to offer, just wanted to say sorry you are feeling so poorly and hope you get better soon x

[jubieanna]

Awww thank you smowball. Sympathy greatly received.... its been really horrible! I thought I was on the mend and then had a relapse yesterday and started swelling on other side... has knocked me for six. got my blanket on the sofa with plenty of hot drinks today brrrrrr

[yogasun]

Awwww jubieanna I can remember having it when I was about 11.
I was SO miserable and it was so painful.
Hope you get better soon.

[Smowball]

I dont remember the last time I actually knew anybody with mumps btw.

[AlwaysConfused]

Ouch - Mumps are not nice. I thought you could only have mumps once, but I've had them twice! I think wine may be good for you at this time!?!

[jubieanna]

thank you yogasun. I don't remember having it before when i was young but i hope I don't ever get it again! Can you get it more than once?

[jubieanna]

posts crossed there lol. you answered my question before I asked it! thats very clever always confused.... bit early for me for wine lol maybe later

[AlwaysConfused]

apparently the answer is no

http://answers.reference.com/wellness/conditions/can_you_get_mumps_more_than_once

so my doctors must have got it wrong with me!

[yogasun]

I think it's highly unlikely to get it more than once, but I stand to be corrected....cue Sqad!

[jubieanna]

Thank you desktop. I am drinking plenty and resting. don't feel up to much else really.

[Sqad]

Very, very unlikely to get mumps twice............but in medicine you never should say never.......;-)

[jubieanna]

ooh never again please!!!!!

Thank you all for get well wishes