noticed juniors are discussing mumps. Can't post there, and since lot of you are in early 20s, thought I'd answer their queries here, as it does affect you too. And I do mean the virus, not the antiquated computer code...
Current epidemic is a nationwide problem, but started earlier some places than others. First it was mostly Uni students, but is now in general population. Those most likely to get it are aged 14/15 to 25y.
Older ones in that age group will never have had MMR vaccination and may not have had mumps, as grew up at time when mumps was at its lowest level because the slightly younger ones were mostly getting MMR, which interrupted transmission.
Younger ones in that age group only got one dose of MMR, because schools campaign about 10 years ago only gave them a 2nd shot of measles/rubella, because measles was problem then.
Because of adverse publicity, In some areas of country only 70-80% of under 14s have had MMR, which is low enough to give the virus a foothold back in the population again, and there was a big pool of young people who'd never had MMR (or only one dose) which was a perfect climate for a limited epidemic
( this epidemic may take several years to run its course without vaccination)
Dept of Health decided against national campaign to vaccinate those vulnerable, so you have to wait until your local primary care trust puts in the money to pay for GPs and extra vaccination centres in schools, Unis etc. That's why not all areas have had this offer yet.
Of course, it can also get the 10% of older people (over 25) who've never had mumps. Also many countries round world have never had vaccination and mumps is still endemic there, so you can catch it on your travels too, if you're not immune
So, unless you fancy a week looking like a hamster, or want to be forced into a bandy-legged running style for a week if you're a bloke, I'd strongly suggest you get your dose of MMR (measles/mumps/rubella vaccine) if it's on offer in your area.
Edit
Juniors also querying how effective vaccine is. One dose will give 90% of vaccinated people immunity, which means they won't get ILL with mumps if they're in contact. Two doses get % protected even higher, but even one dose given to enough people will interrupt virus enough to stop outbreaks, so only babies normally get 2 doses at present. Even if you're immune from having had mumps the virus will try to get a foothold in your body, but you rapid antibody response will stop you getting ill (same as any other type of immunity) PHEW!
mumps; not just for juniors!
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- ifititches
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Had a Uni student who had a single jab three weeks before he returned at Xmas. But as soon as he returned he turned into a Hamster. Dr seemed to think it was reaction to jab not mumps but he couldn't eat for several days. Fortunately swelling on side one had gone down so he could eat xmas lunch but side two then came up. Did not pass it on to 1988 birth child though.
Diets and fitness are no good if you can't read the map.
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HOCOLITE - addict
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That was tough luck. Incubation period is up to 25 days, so he could have been incubating it at time of vaccination. Should be super-immune now! This is a bit too much like work...
- ifititches
- blue
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- Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2004 9:15 pm
- Location: just SW of greatest track junction in UK, I think.....
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