Lack of Immunity to Mumps
What is Lack of Immunity to Mumps?
Lack of immunity to mumps means your body does not have the antibodies needed to fight off the mumps virus. This happens when you have never been infected with mumps and have not received the MMR vaccine, or when your vaccine immunity has worn off over time.
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread when you share utensils or cups with an infected person.
Most people develop lifelong immunity after getting the mumps vaccine or recovering from a natural infection. Without immunity, you remain at risk for catching mumps if exposed to the virus. This can lead to serious complications, especially in adults.
Symptoms
- Painful swelling of the salivary glands, especially near the jaw and ears
- Fever that can reach 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Headache and body aches
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pain when eating acidic foods or citrus
Some people with mumps have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, they can still spread the virus to others who lack immunity.
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Causes and risk factors
Lack of mumps immunity occurs when you have never been exposed to the virus or vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Some people never received the vaccine during childhood. Others may have received only one dose instead of the recommended two doses.
Vaccine immunity can also decrease over time, leaving some adults vulnerable despite childhood vaccination. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune because mumps was widespread before the vaccine became available. Risk factors include skipping recommended vaccinations, living in close quarters like college dorms, and traveling to areas where mumps outbreaks occur.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose lack of mumps immunity through a blood test that measures Mumps Virus Antibodies IgG. This test shows whether you have protective antibodies from past infection or vaccination. Low or absent IgG antibodies suggest you lack immunity and remain susceptible to infection.
Your doctor may recommend this test if you are unsure about your vaccination history or if you work in healthcare or other high-risk settings. Talk to our doctor about testing if you think you may need to verify your immune status. Knowing your immunity status helps you decide whether you need vaccination or revaccination.
Treatment options
- Get the MMR vaccine if you lack immunity and have never been vaccinated
- Adults born after 1957 should receive two doses of MMR vaccine if not already immune
- Avoid close contact with people who have mumps
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing
- Do not share eating utensils, drinks, or personal items
- Stay home if you develop symptoms to prevent spreading the virus
- If infected, rest and drink plenty of fluids while symptoms resolve
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage fever and discomfort
Frequently asked questions
It means your body does not have the antibodies needed to recognize and fight off the mumps virus. This leaves you vulnerable to infection if you come into contact with someone who has mumps. Immunity typically comes from vaccination or from having had the disease before.
A blood test measuring Mumps Virus Antibodies IgG can determine your immune status. If the test shows adequate antibody levels, you are protected. If antibodies are low or absent, you lack immunity and should consider vaccination.
Healthcare workers, teachers, college students, and international travelers should verify their immunity status. Anyone who is unsure about their vaccination history or who may have only received one MMR dose should also consider testing. Adults born after 1957 who never received two doses of MMR vaccine are at higher risk.
Yes, the MMR vaccine is safe for most adults who need it. Side effects are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or mild rash. Pregnant women should not receive the vaccine, and women should wait at least one month after vaccination before becoming pregnant.
Yes, vaccine immunity can decrease over time, though this is uncommon. Most people who receive two doses of MMR vaccine remain protected throughout their lives. If you received only one dose or were vaccinated many years ago, you may have reduced immunity and could benefit from a booster dose.
Adults with mumps face higher complication risks than children. Men may develop painful testicular swelling that can rarely affect fertility. Other complications include inflammation of the brain, pancreas, or ovaries, and temporary or permanent hearing loss in rare cases.
Immunity from two doses of MMR vaccine typically lasts for life in most people. Studies show that protection remains strong for decades after vaccination. A small percentage of people may experience waning immunity over time, which is why outbreak settings may require booster doses.
Natural infection does provide lifelong immunity in most cases. However, the risks of serious complications from mumps infection far outweigh any immunity benefits. Vaccination provides strong protection without exposing you to the dangers of the actual disease.
Contact your doctor immediately if you lack immunity or are unsure of your vaccination status. If you have not been vaccinated, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may provide some protection. Watch for symptoms for 25 days after exposure and isolate yourself if symptoms develop.
Talk to your doctor about your test results and vaccination history. If you received fewer than two MMR doses, you should get the remaining doses. If you completed the series but have low antibodies, your doctor may recommend a booster dose depending on your risk factors and exposure potential.