Hi there,

On thursday 5th my left parotid gland started swelling and mumps was confirmed by a nurse on the 6th and again by a doctor on the 9th. However just yesterday, (13th), my right parotid gland swelled in the same way the left one did, and I also have quite a severe ear ache.

Went to the doctor again today (14th) and she ruled out an ear infection and said it was just the mumps still.

Why has it taken 8 days for the right hand side to start swelling? (The left parotid is still inflamed by the way- not as severe as it used to be though)

Im doing quite an intense subject at university and cannot afford to take more time off. My question is am I safe to return on monday (16th)? From a bit of research the general consensus is that 9 days after the swelling starts I am no longer infectious. Does this mean I have to keep away from people for another 9 days as the other parotid has started swelling?

I have had the MMR vaccine and a booster in september by the way (typical!!)

Thanks in advance