The mumps is a naughty little devil, a crafty little virus that likes to get under the skin of children and teens, but adults don't think they can get away with it either! Its favourite way is to sneak into our lives on the “droplet train”.

When a person infected with the imp sneezes or laughs, the tiny droplets act as a flare, fluttering through the air in search of the next target. Once the imp has found a new host, it will work its magic, making the person's face look like a “cat with a big face”, with swollen cheeks and a series of uncomfortable symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and loss of appetite.

The first thing we need to do to protect ourselves from the cunning little devil of the mumps virus is to get vaccinated as a “magic shield”. The MMR vaccine is like a strong magic shield that wraps around our bodies and keeps the mumps virus at bay. Whether you're a little one or a big one, you can easily protect yourself from this unwanted guest by getting vaccinated promptly. In addition to the magic shield, we also have another right-hand man - our hard-working hands! Hand washing is not only washing away the dust so simple, but it is more like a “battle” with the virus. Every time we wash our hands, it is like putting on a layer of “protective clothing”, so that the virus has no place to hide. Remember to use soap and running water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds Oh, so that each finger’s cracks are “clean”, do not give the virus any opportunity to take advantage of. Of course, it is also important to avoid close contact with infected people. Imagine if an infected person is right next to you, he is like a mobile “transmitter” of the virus, which can be transmitted to you at any time. So, keep your distance so that the virus can't take advantage of you! In addition, it's crucial to keep your house ventilated. Imagine opening a window and ventilating the room as if you were opening a door, letting fresh air in and pushing viruses out. This way, we can breathe in a healthy, fresh environment.

If you are unfortunate enough to be caught by the little devil that is the mumps, there is no need to be too alarmed. In most cases, it is like a naughty child that will make enough mess on its own and go away. All you need to do is give your body a warm hug and allow it enough time and energy to ward off this unwanted guest. Let your body rest, just as a weary traveller needs to find a cosy stop to rest his feet, so does your body need to rest to regain its strength and boost the immune system's fighting power. And don't forget to drink plenty of water, which acts as an attentive nurse to ease the discomfort of fevers and headaches, and helps your body get the bad guys out of the door faster. If the parotid area is swollen enough to make you feel uncomfortable, try applying a warm washcloth to it. This is like giving the swollen area a gentle hug, which improves circulation and helps it reduce swelling. On days when your parotid glands are swollen, try to choose soft or liquid foods such as tasty soups, soft porridges and purees. They're like thoughtful friends that are both nutritious and easy to eat, reducing the pain of chewing and giving your taste buds a touch of comfort too.

These are like our 'get well soon' tips for easing the discomfort of the mumps and getting back on your feet like a superhero! Imagine yourself as a warrior in armour, armed with these tips, battling the cunning little devil that is mumps.

Good habits and a healthy diet are your “secret weapon” in this battle. They provide you with a constant supply of energy, making your body stronger and more empowered to fight the disease. Although mumps may sound scary, it can be kept at bay by taking the right precautions. Getting vaccinated is like putting “magic armour” on your body, making you more fearless in the face of the virus. So don't let the little devil get the better of you, and use these tips and weapons to make your body an impregnable fortress.

（Writer：Lany）