Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type of herpes virus that is commonly found in the body. It is usually harmless but can cause serious problems in those with a compromised immune system. The virus can be transmitted via intimate or sexual contact, in the air via droplets from coughs and sneezes from infected people, via contaminated blood products or from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
In many cases, CMV does not cause symptoms. In people with a healthy immune system, symptoms may be similar to other, non-specific viral infections such as fatigue, fever, sore throat with aches and pains. Symptoms in immune-compromised individuals can be a lot more severe, and in some cases, life threatening.
Specific treatment is not usually given but medicines such as paracetamol can be taken to relieve symptoms if required. If the immune system is poor and symptoms are severe, antiviral drugs may be prescribed.
