Acquired Cytomegalovirus
Uploaded by mumsa1 on Dec 01, 2011
Cytomegalovirus is one of the world’s most common viral infections and is transmitted through close bodily contact between people.
In this article:
What is acquired cytomegalovirus?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
How Chemist Online can help
Advice & Support
What is acquired cytomegalovirus?
Acquired cytomegalovirus is a viral condition which is so common, it is estimated that up to 80 per cent of all adults in the UK who are middle-aged or older become infected with it at some point in their lives. Note: An ‘acquired condition’ is one that is contracted for the first time.
Acquired cytomegalovirus is caused by a virus which is part of the herpes group or ‘family’ or viruses. The condition can be difficult to spot or diagnose as the symptoms are few (unlike other viral infections, such as genital herpes, for example…).
Other types of cytomegalovirus are:
Recurring cytomegalovirus – where a previous dormant cytomegalovirus reoccurs as a result of your immune system becoming weakened for some reason.
Congenital cytomegalovirus – where the infection develops in pregnancy (the unborn baby being affected).
This article will focus upon acquired cytomegalovirus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acquired cytomegalovirus include:
Swollen glands
Fever
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Aching joints
Loss of appetite (and therefore weight-loss)
Cough and sore throat
Headaches
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last for up to 14 days.
Note: For the vast majority of people with acquired cytomegalovirus there will be no noticeable symptoms.
Causes
Acquired cytomegalovirus is generally passed on through human bodily contact and is spread through bodily fluids, such as: saliva, semen, urine, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood and even tears.
You can become infected through sexual intercourse, kissing, by being in the company of an infected person who sneezes or coughs, or through having a blood transfusion. Also, if your immune system has become weakened through becoming infected with HIV, or you have received treatment for cancer (i.e. chemotherapy), you may be more susceptible to developing acquired cytomegalovirus.
Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP. After taking your medical history and asking you some questions about your symptoms, you will then be asked to have a blood test.
Where a confirmed diagnosis of acquired cytomegalovirus is made, an appropriate course of treatment will be recommended to you.
Treatment
There is no actual cure for acquired cytomegalovirus. Symptoms should pass in a few days.
Drink plenty of water, to prevent dehydration. This will also help to relieve flu-like symptoms (fever, headache and sore throat).
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