Question 1

What is Immunity to Mumps?

Accepted Answer

Mumps immunity refers to the body's protection against the mumps virus through antibodies produced by vaccination or previous infection. It is caused by the paramyxovirus that triggers the immune system to create specific IgG antibodies that provide long-term protection. The Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for determining whether you have adequate immunity to mumps.

Question 2

What causes mumps immunity?

Accepted Answer

Mumps immunity is caused by exposure to the mumps paramyxovirus through either vaccination (typically the MMR vaccine) or natural infection. When your immune system encounters the virus, it produces specific IgG antibodies that remain in your bloodstream for years or even decades. These antibodies recognize and neutralize the mumps virus if you encounter it again, preventing infection and protecting you from the characteristic swollen salivary glands, fever, and potential complications like orchitis or meningitis.

Question 3

What is the best test for mumps immunity?

Accepted Answer

The Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for mumps immunity because it directly measures the protective antibodies in your bloodstream. This blood test detects IgG antibodies that indicate long-term immunity from either past infection or successful vaccination. High or positive levels of mumps IgG antibodies confirm you have adequate protection against future mumps infections. Healthcare workers, college students, international travelers, and anyone unsure of their vaccination status should consider this test to verify their immune protection and prevent potential outbreaks.

Question 4

When should I get tested for mumps immunity?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are a healthcare worker starting a new job, enrolling in college or graduate school, planning international travel to areas with mumps outbreaks, or unsure of your vaccination history. Testing is also recommended if you were born before 1957 and need proof of immunity, if you are planning pregnancy and want to confirm protection, or if there has been a mumps exposure in your community or workplace. Getting tested helps ensure you are adequately protected and prevents the spread of this contagious viral infection.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of mumps infection?

Accepted Answer

Mumps infection causes painful swelling of the salivary glands (especially the parotid glands near the jaw), fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. You might notice puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw area that makes chewing and swallowing painful. Some people experience complications like testicular swelling in males (orchitis), ovarian inflammation in females, temporary hearing loss, meningitis, or rarely encephalitis. Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after exposure to the virus, and infected individuals are contagious for several days before and after symptoms develop.

Question 6

Who is at risk for mumps infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for mumps include those who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, individuals living in close quarters like college dormitories or military barracks, healthcare workers with direct patient contact, and international travelers visiting countries with ongoing mumps outbreaks. Children under 12 months who are too young for vaccination, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals born during years when vaccination rates were lower are also at increased risk. Even vaccinated individuals can occasionally contract mumps during outbreaks, though their symptoms are typically milder and complications less common.

Question 7

What happens if mumps immunity is inadequate?

Accepted Answer

Without adequate mumps immunity, you remain vulnerable to mumps infection, which can lead to painful swelling of the salivary glands and potentially serious complications. In males, mumps can cause orchitis (testicular inflammation) that rarely leads to fertility problems. Other complications include pancreatitis, permanent hearing loss, meningitis, and encephalitis. Pregnant women who contract mumps in the first trimester face an increased risk of miscarriage. The infection is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination rates, making adequate immunity essential for both personal protection and public health.

Question 8

Can mumps immunity be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mumps immunity can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test that measures IgG antibodies specific to the mumps virus. The blood test identifies protective antibodies that remain in your system after vaccination or past infection. Positive or high levels of mumps IgG antibodies indicate you have immunity and are protected against future infections, while negative or low levels suggest you may need vaccination or revaccination. This simple blood test is the standard method healthcare providers, employers, and schools use to verify mumps immunity status when vaccination records are unavailable or unclear.

Question 9

How is mumps immunity achieved?

Accepted Answer

Mumps immunity is achieved primarily through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is given in two doses during childhood (first dose at 12-15 months, second dose at 4-6 years). The vaccine contains a weakened form of the mumps virus that stimulates your immune system to produce protective antibodies without causing illness. Immunity can also develop after recovering from natural mumps infection, though vaccination is far safer than risking the disease itself. Most people who receive both doses of MMR vaccine develop long-lasting immunity, though antibody levels may occasionally decline over time, especially in outbreak situations.

Question 10

How can I prevent mumps infection?

Accepted Answer

The best prevention against mumps is completing the two-dose MMR vaccination series, which provides about 88% protection against the virus. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, get tested for mumps immunity or consult your healthcare provider about receiving the vaccine. During outbreaks, avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice frequent handwashing, and do not share eating utensils, drinks, or personal items. Healthcare workers and people in high-risk settings should verify their immunity status and consider revaccination if antibody levels are low. Infected individuals should stay home and avoid contact with others until at least five days after symptoms appear.

Question 11

What can I do at home to maintain mumps immunity?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining mumps immunity primarily relies on ensuring your vaccinations are up to date rather than home remedies. Keep a record of your vaccination history and verify your immunity status through blood testing if you are entering high-risk situations like healthcare work or international travel. Support your overall immune function by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and staying physically active. While these lifestyle factors support general immunity, they cannot replace the specific protection provided by vaccination or naturally acquired antibodies. If you discover you lack immunity, consult your healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Mumps Immunity Blood Test

What is Immunity to Mumps?

What causes mumps immunity?

What is the best test for mumps immunity?

When should I get tested for mumps immunity?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI