Cytomegalovirus Outline

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Name of STD: Cytomegalovirus What is it? Cytomegalovirus, also called CMV is a common virus that infects most people, but rarely causes obvious illness. Unfortunately, once you're infected with CMV, the virus is in your body for life. What causes it? The transmission of an infectious agent by another person by one or more of the following: saliva, air, cough, fecal-oral route, surfaces, blood, needles, blood transfusions, sexual contact, or mother to fetus (through the placenta). How common is it? The virus is very common. Between 50% and 85% of the US population tests positive for CMV by the time they are 40 years old. However, a healthy immune system keeps this virus in check. How does it spread? CMV spreads through body fluids, such as blood, saliva,…show more content…
1. Touching your eyes or the inside of your nose or mouth 2. Through sexual contact with an infected person 3. Through the breast milk of an infected mother 4. Through organ transplantation or blood transfusions How will I know if I have an STD? Unfortunately, many people never know they have the virus until they start experiencing common symptoms. What are the signs and symptoms? Signs and symptoms of primary CMV include: Fatigue, weakness, night sweats, prolonged fever, swollen glands or sore throat, loss of appetite or weight loss, muscle aches or joint pain or stiffness, and general feeling of illness, discomfort or uneasiness. How does it affect men and women differently? The affects of CMV on men and women are the same (except if a woman is pregnant). How you can protect/prevent yourself from it? There are experimental anti-viral medications that are being used to try and treat the cytomegalovirus. Their effectiveness is limited and there is a possibility of permanent kidney damage. However, there is no real cure for the cytomegalovirus. Protection includes: 1. Wash your hands often 2. Avoid contact with tears and saliva when you kiss a young

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