Quick Links
For Patients
For Physicians
- Refer a patient to a specialist
- Order labs for patients
- Order radiology for patients
- Order At-Home Services
- Get your practice listed
For Companies
© Copyright 2024 American TelePhysicians. All rights reserved.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common but mild viral illness. It belongs to the herpes virus family and hardly causes symptoms in people with good health. Whereas people with low and weakened immune systems and pregnant women must see a doctor if they have flu-like symptoms or any condition associated with the risk of CMV. Women who get this infection during pregnancy can transmit the virus to their babies, who can present with symptoms. This virus is highly contagious and remains the point of concern that once it infects or enters the body, it remains throughout the whole life. It can be a seriously debilitating disease in individuals who have previous organ transplants and bone marrow or stem cells transplant.
Cmv is transmitted through body fluids, like blood, saliva, urine, semen, and breast milk. There is no permanent cure, but symptoms can be controlled relatively through medications. CMV can only be transmitted if it is in the active virulent stage. This could be due to reinfection with another strain of CMV or weak immunity, or kids catch it when they start their early childhood education. Transmission can also occur through sexual contact or from breast milk to nursing infants. It can affect the intestines, eyes, lungs, liver, esophagus, and stomach. Reactivation of the virus may not necessarily result in severe cases.