Mumps

This is spread by coughing or sneezing. The incubation period is 14-21 days. It is infectious from seven days before, to nine days after, the characteristic cheek swelling starts.

General malaise and fever precede the cheek swelling, which is caused by viral infection of the parotid salivary glands in front of both ears. Both glands swell in 70 per cent of people.

Complications are rare, but include inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) which can lead to infertility. Arthritis, meningitis and myocarditis (heart inflammation) can occur.

What to do

• Contact your GP for diagnosis
• Give paracetamol syrup to help with discomfort
• Offer plenty of cool drinks, through a straw if your child experiences stinging inside the cheek
• Expect your child to feel unwell and need nursing and entertainment for some days