Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus: a dangerous virus hiding inside us

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can cause serious health problems, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Cytomegalovirus infection is considered one of the most common infectious diseases, and up to 80% of the population sometimes carries this virus in their lives. In this article we will look at what cytomegalovirus is, how it is transmitted and what symptoms it causes.

What is cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. Like other herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus can remain in the human body forever, and periodically appear when the immune system is weakened. Cytomegalovirus can be found in many parts of the body, including saliva, blood, urine, feces, semen, cervical secretions, and breast milk.

How is cytomegalovirus transmitted?

Cytomegalovirus is transmitted through contact with infected tissues and fluids. The causative agent of the disease can be found in many parts of the body, and is transmitted through sexual contact, eating and drinking from shared utensils, contact with infected tissues (for example, when sharing towels), blood transfusions and organ transplants, and from mother to child during pregnancy.

What symptoms does cytomegalovirus cause?

In most people, cytomegalovirus is asymptomatic, but in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV infection or those on immunosuppressive therapy, cytomegalovirus can cause serious health problems. In addition, cytomegalovirus can cause problems in newborns if their mothers become infected with the virus during pregnancy.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, runny and congested nose, cough, vision problems, problems with memory and concentration. In women, cytomegalovirus can cause inflammation of the uterus, cervix and vagina, while in men the infection is asymptomatic.

How to prevent infection with cytomegalovirus?

You can prevent infection with cytomegalovirus by taking certain precautions:

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

2. Avoid contact with tissues and fluids of infected people.

3. Avoid kissing and sexual contact with infected people.

4. Avoid drinking from shared containers.

5. Wear gloves when handling tissues and liquids that may be infected.

6. Avoid blood transfusions and organ transplants if possible.

7. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about getting tested for cytomegalovirus.

8. If you are caring for someone who has CMV, wear a mask and gloves when caring for them.

9. Maintain good hygiene when preparing food.

10. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about preventive treatment.

If you notice symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include antiviral medications, which help reduce the severity of symptoms and speed recovery.