Understanding CMV: What Every Patient Needs to Know
CMV or Cytomegalovirus is a common viral infection that can affect people of all ages. Although most healthy individuals can fight off the infection, it can be harmful to newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about CMV, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What is CMV?
CMV is a herpes virus that can cause lifelong infections in humans. It can be spread through bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and breast milk. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, organ transplantation, and blood transfusions. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years, and the infected individual may not show any symptoms.
Who is at Risk of CMV?
CMV can affect people of all ages, but certain groups are at higher risk than others. Newborns can contract the virus from their mothers if they are infected during pregnancy. Pregnant women who become infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy are also at risk of passing the virus to their unborn child. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, are also at higher risk of developing severe CMV infections.
What are the Symptoms of CMV?
Most healthy adults and children who contract CMV do not experience symptoms. However, people with weakened immune systems and newborns can experience severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. Common symptoms of CMV include fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen glands. Infected newborns may have symptoms such as jaundice, hearing loss, and seizures.
How is CMV Diagnosed?
CMV is diagnosed through laboratory testing, which includes a blood test or a urine sample. The laboratory test looks for CMV-specific antibodies, which are proteins that the immune system produces in response to the virus. It is important to get diagnosed early so that appropriate treatment can be initiated, especially for high-risk individuals.
How is CMV Treated?
There is no cure for CMV, but antiviral medication can help to reduce symptoms and prevent complications in high-risk individuals. The medication works by stopping the virus from replicating and spreading in the body. Individuals with severe infections may need to be hospitalized for supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and oxygen support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CMV is a common viral infection that can affect people of all ages. Although most healthy individuals do not experience symptoms, high-risk individuals such as newborns, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems can experience severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. It is important to get diagnosed early and receive appropriate treatment to prevent complications. Remember to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading CMV.
