Mumps (parotitis epidemica) is an infectious disease. The disease is caused by the mumps virus. It often causes inflammation in the parotid glands behind the jaw, under the ears. This can lead to swelling in the cheeks. The virus spreads through the air. Children in the Netherlands can be vaccinated against mumps to prevent serious illness. 

A respiratory infection is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in your respiratory system (nose, mouth and airways) caused by a virus or bacteria. The air you breathe can contain all sorts of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria – such as Legionella or pneumococci bacteria. Common viruses that cause respiratory infections include the influenza virus (flu), the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV infections).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of respiratory infections in children. The virus is also common among older people. Almost all children get an RSV infection before they turn 2 years old. The virus is mainly seen in winter.

SARS-CoV-2 is the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. The symptoms often resemble the common cold at first. Some people do not become ill at all, or are only mildly ill from the virus. Others may become seriously ill and sometimes even die from the disease. Some people keep having symptoms for a long time after having COVID-19. If their symptoms persist for longer than 3 months, it is called post-COVID.

Flu occurs every year in the Netherlands, usually in the winter months. It is caused by the flu virus (influenza virus). The flu vaccine lowers the risk of getting flu. RIVM monitors the development of the flu virus in the Netherlands and conducts research into flu and the flu vaccine.