Normally a sore throat is the earliest symptom of the onset of the flu or a cold. Sometimes it could also indicate the early stages of a bacterial infection. In any event a sore throat by itself can be easily soothed by a ginger herbal tea. On the other hand, the mumps are caused by a virus which invades the body through the air that you breathe. Once within the body it can spread rapidly to the membranes that cover the brain, the glands, pancreas and various other parts.
The Infection may last for 8-10 days and generally result in the swelling of the salivary glands. Cheeks may get swollen indicative of the most traditional symptoms of the mumps. Amongst other symptoms are low grade fever, body aches, headaches as well as discomfort while swallowing. Children of ages between 2 -4 and almost 30 % of the infected persons do not display any symptoms at all. Symptoms can take up to a fortnight to manifest themselves in infected people. Bear in mind that the Infection is contagious and care must be taken to avoid spread especially during the first two day and a week after the symptoms develop. The infection is curable and do ensure you contact your doctor as soon as you notice the first symptoms.
answered by K C