Cytomegalovirus (cmv viral)

General or Other | General Practice | Cytomegalovirus (cmv viral) (Disease)


Description

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that is a member of the herpes family. Related viruses include Epstein-Barr (causes glandular fever), varicella-zoster (causes chicken pox) and herpes simplex (causes cold sores). This viral infection can be spread through coughing, contact with blood, urine or faeces, or via the mucous membranes such as the mouth and genitals.

A person that has cytomegalovirus infection has a viral infection of the intestines, lungs, or retina. Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a herpes virus that usually does not cause symptoms in people with a normal functioning immune system. Sometimes, CMV can cause symptoms similar to mononucleosis. However, CMV can cause serious infections in those who have AIDS or an organ transplant, or those who are treated with chemotherapy.

Causes and Risk factors

CMV spreads from one person to another in saliva (spit), semen, vaginal secretions, blood, urine, and breast milk. You can get CMV when you touch these fluids with your hands, then touch your nose or mouth. People can also get CMV through sexual contact, breastfeeding, blood transfusions, and organ transplants.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A blood test can tell if a person has CMV, but this test is not commonly performed. CMV doesnt always cause symptoms. When they first contract CMV, some people have:

(1) fatigue,

(2) swollen glands,

(3) fever, and

(4) sore throat.

Cytomegalovirus infections typically resolve on their own without treatment, but it can take weeks or months for the symptoms to go away completely. Fevers often resolve in 10 days, but if the spleen and lymph nodes become swollen, these swellings can take about a month to go away. Fatigue may persist for an additional few months. ...



You can connect with us directly at anytime

You can connect with us through any social network (LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter) - or else Easy & Quick way to connect via email us at « contact@iValueHealth.NET ».