How did Victorians cure mumps?

Mumps is a viral disease, and there was no cure for it in Victorian times. Treatment was focused on relieving symptoms, which could include fever, headache, swelling of the parotid glands (located on the side of the face), and pain.

Some common remedies used by Victorians to alleviate the symptoms of mumps included:

- Bed rest: Rest was believed to help the body fight off the infection.

- Warm compresses: Applying warm compresses to the swollen glands could help reduce pain and discomfort.

- Warm liquids: Drinking warm liquids like soup or tea could help soothe a sore throat and ease swallowing difficulties.

- Salt water gargle: Gargling with salt water could help relieve pain and inflammation in the throat.

- Painkillers: Natural painkillers like willow bark or opium could be used to reduce pain and fever.

It is important to note that these remedies were based on traditional beliefs and practices rather than scientific evidence, and the efficacy of these methods was not well-established. In severe cases, mumps could lead to complications such as swelling of the brain or the testicles, and medical intervention would have been necessary.

Today, the mumps vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease.