What are the most typical symptoms of mumps?

When it comes to mumps, the first image that pops into everyone's mind is undoubtedly its most typical symptom:

Swelling of the cheeks centered around the earlobe

Simply put, it's a swollen face. But this swelling has distinct characteristics:

Location: The swelling is located in front of and below the ear, what we commonly refer to as the "jaws" or "cheeks." Centered around the earlobe, it spreads outwards, blurring the contours of your cheek and jawline.
Sensation: The swollen area feels somewhat firm to the touch and is distinctly painful, especially when opening your mouth, speaking, chewing, or eating sour foods, at which point the sharp, aching pain becomes particularly noticeable.
Appearance: Typically, one side of the face swells first, and after a few days, the other side may also swell, making the face look like a "pear" or a "frog," with asymmetrical bulging on both sides.

You can imagine it like having a hard candy in your mouth, but this "candy" is inside your cheek muscle, impossible to remove, and it's both painful and swollen. This is the most memorable hallmark of mumps.

Besides facial swelling, also pay attention to these "accompanying symptoms" that may appear together:

Fever: Along with the swelling, many people develop a fever, and the temperature might be quite high.
General Malaise: Feeling weak all over, headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Red and Swollen Parotid Duct Opening: If you open your mouth and look at the inner cheek lining opposite your upper molars, you might see a small, red, and swollen spot. This is where the parotid gland secretes saliva, and it has also become inflamed.

In summary, fever + unilateral or bilateral cheek swelling and pain is the classic combination of mumps symptoms. If you or a family member experience these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor promptly for confirmation, as it is a contagious viral disease.