Every parent wants to give their children the best quality health care possible, and that includes the prevention of illnesses. One thing that no kid wants to get is the mumps. Unfortunately, it's a contagious disease, so kids who go to school, daycare, church, or even to play at the park may be exposed to the mumps. Caused by a pesky virus, it's clear that a child has mumps within a few days of contracting the disease, and they will exhibit symptoms like muscle aches, a fever, a loss of desire for food, or headache.  You don't have to sit around and hope for the best. Here are three proactive things you can do to protect your children from the mumps.

Make Sure Your Child is Vaccinated Against Mumps

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting your child vaccinated is the most effective thing that you can do to protect them and other kids from getting the mumps. Talk to your pediatrician directly about scheduling two doses of mumps vaccines, which will leave your child protected. That is not to say kids who are vaccinated never get the disease, but two doses of this vaccine are nearly 90 percent effective in mumps prevention.

Over-Emphasize the Importance of Great Hygiene

Keeping your children protected from possible exposure to mumps is important. That can be pretty much impossible if a child is going to school, church, and other after-school activities where they are sure to be around lots of kids. After all, some children do not know they are spreading it. Make sure that your children know they should never share drinks,

Take Your Child to See a Doctor if They're Showing Symptoms

Because the symptoms of the mumps are similar to the symptoms that are shown with serious conditions like tonsillitis, it is important to bring your child to see a pediatrician right away if you know that they were exposed to the disease or are presenting symptoms. Possible symptoms of the mumps include a painful swelling under the child's ears, a headache, loss of appetite, and a fever. You should let your pediatrician know that you suspect mumps before you bring your child in, and take care to not let your child expose other children to the contagious illness.

Finally, keep in mind that the mumps is a disease that should not be taken lightly. Although most kids do recover from the disease within 10 to 12 days, they need to see a pediatrician. In addition to providing diagnosis and treatment options, the doctor can help you decide when your child should return to school and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the condition.

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