Meningitis
Meningitis is a medical emergency that can cause permanent disability and death. Meningitis is a different infection from mumps, but as there can be some similar symptoms, it is important for parents to be aware of the signs. Meningitis can also be a complication seen with mumps. Meningitis can affect infants, children and adults.
Meningitis can occur very suddenly and requires immediate medical treatment – see a doctor urgently or call 111 for ambulance.
For more information on signs of meningitis, click here
Treatment Tips
Treatment tips for mumps
Wash hands frequently, especially after tending to a sick child
Observe the child frequently and seek urgent medical advice if he/she appears to be getting worse
Dress the child in light, loose fitting clothing or pyjamas
Warm, moist towels placed around the neck can help relieve the discomfort of the swelling
Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids
Offer soft foods and cool drinks regularly as many illnesses affect the mouth and throat
Avoid salty foods and citrus fruits
Encourage the child to get plenty of rest
Give paracetamol or ibuprofen occasionally to reduce pain and discomfort (see Treatment options below)
Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old as it may cause Reye’s syndrome – a serious condition
Antiseptic mouthwashes may be helpful for oral hygiene while there is swelling of the face (check individual products for use in young children – you can also ask your pharmacist for advice)
Keep the child/person at home to avoid spreading the infection.
Treatment Options
Always discuss treatment options with your pharmacist to ensure the best outcome.
Medications to reduce fever and relieve pain
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., paracetamol liquid preparations (Children’s Panadol Colour-free Suspension, Pamol All Ages, Paracare for Babies & Young Children 3 months to 6 yrs, Paracare for Children 6+ yrs & Adults), ibuprofen liquid preparations (Fenpaed, Nurofen for Children)
Paracetamol is suitable for most people but it is important only to give it occasionally and not to give more than the recommended dose – check labels for dosage instructions appropriate to the age of the child
Paracetamol is a common ingredient in other medicines, e.g., cold and flu preparations (which may be used by adults and adolescents) so be careful not to double dose
Vaccinations: paracetamol is not recommended for routine use before or after vaccination (i.e., it is not recommended to give it ‘just in case’of discomfort) as it may reduce the ability of some vaccinations to stimulate long-lasting immunity
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are also available in other forms (e.g., tablets), which are often [GENERAL SALE] medicine – these may be preferred by older children and adults (check labels for dose appropriate to age – you can also ask your pharmacist for individualised advice).
Ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone.
Check with your pharmacist before giving ibuprofen if the child/person:
Is dehydrated
Has a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
Has asthma – some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
Has kidney problems or a heart condition
Takes other medicines.
Natural/herbal products/supplements
e.g., honey
One to two teaspoonfuls of honey at night can help relieve a sore throat associated with mumps.
More Information
Phone helplines
If you are concerned about your child and need advice there are two phone helplines available:
Plunketline on 0800 933 922 – for information and advice on parenting and health issues for children under five years
Healthline on 0800 611 116 – for advice about health concerns for people of all ages
Both numbers are staffed 24 hours a day by registered nurses or other health professionals. Calls to either line (within New Zealand) are free and confidential.
For more information about immunisation, see the topic Child immunisation on www.everybody.co.nz
Also see the Mumps topic on the Immunisation Advisory Centre website: www.immune.org.nz
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz
