Di - I just had a look at teh book and it said that the most important thing to avoid any complications from mumps is to ensure that the child stays indooors and has lots of rest. THIS IS TOTALLY VITAL!!!

mumps affects the salivary glands. Also, it says that the ovaries and testes can not be damaged if the person has not yet been through puberty... so that's good news

remember that the fever at the start of mumps is part of the virus, so don't use panadol. just make sure he's warm and cosy, away form any drafts and don't use cold compress either. THe fever needs to happen... it's just the bodies way of fighting the virus. and then the fever will be over. Basically she just emphasises the importance of keeping the child inside and warm and quiet. She also says to avoid starchy and protein foods until the acute stage is over. And that fruit and veges should be really soft as it will hurt to open their mouth etc.

Actually... you should really tell your BIL. IT's much more important that adults take the virus seriously as the complications from mumps are way more likely for adults... and also far mor serious. things like sterility and encephalitis are possible if adults don't properly rest.... as in stay in bed for a week or 2. Please pass that on. it's so important....

It really bugs me that these days there is such a "soldier on" mentality to illness. If people just stayed home and rested and recovered properly instead of bringing all there germs to work and spreading them around we'd all be better off.

GRRRRRR it's really pi$$es me off.


anyway hope that helps.