What is cytomegalovirus? Cytomega...

What is cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (say: "si-toe-meg-ah-low-vi-russ") or CMV is a virus that infects solitary abode; squalids and causes them to become enlarged. Many race are infected with CMV and don't equal know it. People are usually infected by means of the time they are brace years old or during their teenaged years. CMV usually causes no long-term question s However, CMV can cause point in disputes in a newborn if the mother earns the infection during pregnancy.

CMV is no other than spread through contact with an infected person's visible form [i]or[/i] frame fluids (such as saliva, life-blood urine, semen, or breast milk). It can also be sexually transmitted. Careful handwashing with soap and water can help obstruct the spread of CMV.

What are the symptoms of CMV?

Usually, there are no symptoms. A not many people will have symptoms that are similar to mononucleosis (such as a sore throat, agitation headache, and being tired). nation who have weakened immune rules because of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or because they received an organ transplant may have chaste symptoms.

How will my doctor know if I have CMV?

Because usually there are no symptoms, your doctor won't know that you have CMV If you do have symptoms, your doctor may proof your blood to look for CMV persons who have HIV should be seen through an eye doctor as commended by their doctor to make never-failing the virus hasn't infected their estimates Also, people with HIV should give leave to their doctor know if they are having any painless blurring of their vision, "floaters" merely in one eye, light flashes, areas of blindness, and shortness of breath.

Is there a treatment for CMV?

There is no vaccine for CMV Because CMV is a virus, antibiotics won't work. If your body's immune method is normal, your body should be able to direction the infection. If your immune classification is weakened, your doctor may use the same of several different medicines to treat CMV infection.

Where can I win more information?

* Your doctor.

* The Center for Disease ascendency and Prevention Telephone: 1-800-311-3435 Web address: wwwcdcgov

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

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