Have you heard of the virus called CMV? (Cytomegalovirus - CMV)

Have you ever heard of CMV, or Cytomegalovirus? Probably not. But this is a very common virus that many of us have during our lives, but does not show any major symptoms. To be precise, this is a virus that belongs to the herpes virus family. But for some people, especially pregnant mothers and those with weak immune systems, it can be a little dangerous. So, let's talk about everything about this CMV in simple terms today.

Who is most affected by the CMV virus?

Although anyone can get CMV, most people don't show symptoms. However, there are two groups where it can be particularly dangerous .

If you develop CMV during pregnancy...

If you are infected with CMV during or shortly before pregnancy, the virus can be passed to your baby through the placenta. This is called congenital CMV . This can increase the risk of miscarriage and can cause the baby to be born with certain health problems. For example, vision or hearing problems and delays in intellectual development.

If someone with a weakened immune system gets CMV...

If you are HIV-positive, or have had an organ or stem cell transplant and are taking immunosuppressive drugs, your immune system is weaker than the average person. We call this condition immunocompromised .

If you have had CMV before, the virus may lie dormant in your body. When your immune system is weakened, the virus can become active again and make you sick. While this may not be a big deal for a healthy person, for someone with a weakened immune system, developing a new CMV infection or reactivating an old one can cause serious complications.

Who is at higher risk of developing CMV?

You are more likely to be infected with CMV if you belong to these groups:

• If you are a child under 5 years old. On average, about 33% of children have developed CMV by the time they are 5 years old.
• If you work or live with children under 5 years old. (e.g. preschool teachers, parents)
• If you have a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients)
• If you live in close proximity to many people (e.g. dormitories)

What are the symptoms of a CMV infection?

The symptoms of CMV can vary from person to person. It mainly depends on several factors, such as the state of the infected person's immune system and whether the infection was congenital or acquired.

Let's look at this in a table to understand this clearly.

How is the CMV virus transmitted from person to person?

CMV is spread through the body fluids of an infected person. This includes saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, and semen. The most common ways it is spread are:

• It is believed to be transmitted through direct contact with urine and saliva, especially in young children and pregnant women.
• Through sexual intercourse. However, CMV is not primarily considered a sexually transmitted disease (STI).
• Through breastfeeding (from an infected mother to her baby)
• From a blood transfusion or organ transplant.

How do you find out if you have a CMV infection?

Doctors mainly use blood, urine, or saliva tests to diagnose CMV infection. Since it usually doesn't cause major symptoms, healthy people don't need to have these tests.

However, if you are immunocompromised or your newborn has the congenital CMV symptoms mentioned above, your doctor may recommend these tests.

What are the treatments for CMV?

CMV infections are treated with antiviral medications such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir . These are given as intravenous injections or as oral tablets.

These drugs cannot reverse damage that has already occurred (e.g., hearing loss). However, they can prevent further damage. Children born with CMV can also be helped with their development through treatments such as speech therapy.

How can you prevent CMV?

If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, you need to be especially careful to protect yourself from CMV. The best thing you can do is avoid contact with other people's bodily fluids.

• Do not share food, spoons, forks, and cups with young children.
• Do not put a child's pacifier in your mouth.
• After changing a child's diaper or helping a child use the toilet, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Use a condom when having sex.
• If you have had an organ transplant, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to prevent CMV.

When should I see the doctor?

If you fall into one of the following categories, it is very important to talk to your doctor about CMV.

• If you have symptoms of CMV and you have a weakened immune system, see a doctor immediately .
• If you suspect that your newborn baby has symptoms of congenital CMV.
• If your immune system is weak.
• If you are preparing for or have had an organ transplant.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

In these cases, your doctor will explain to you in detail the steps you need to take to protect yourself from CMV.