In most cases, the disease will heal on its own after about 2 weeks and does not require intervention.

It is nevertheless possible to relieve certain symptoms such as pain or fever:

• compresses of cold or lukewarm water can relieve swelling of the parotid glands;
• acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®, Panadol®, etc…) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, etc…).

Warning : do not give ibuprofen to a child under 6 months of age, and never give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), such as Aspirin®, to a child or adolescent.

To speed up healing, it is important to:

• promote calm activities and rest;
• frequently drink water, juice, soup. Avoid too acidic juices (orange, lemonade, grape) which increase the pain of the salivary glands;
• eat soft foods (purees, yogurt, ice cream, etc.) in small amounts, 5 or 6 times a day.