Chlamydia
Click here to learn about Chlamydia and click here to learn about Chlamydia Home Test.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus.
CMV is part of the herpes family of viruses. As with most other herpes-type viruses, once you are infected with CMV, it will remain inactive in your body for the rest of your life. CMV causes few symptoms in most people.
CMV is spread through bodily fluids, such as saliva and urine. It can be passed on through close bodily contact. For example, the infection can be found in small droplets of saliva which are spread from one person to another when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Unlike many viral infections, CMV usually causes few if any symptoms. Most people do not know they have (acquired) an infection.
The symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) differ depending on whether you have:
- primary CMV - where someone develops a CMV infection for the first time
- re-infection with CMV - an infection with a different strain of virus
- reoccurring CMV - a previously inactive CMV infection is reactivated, often because the immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) is weakened
- congenital CMV - a CMV infection develops when a woman is pregnant and infects the unborn baby
Primary CMV
Most cases of primary CMV cause no noticeable symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they will be similar to flu symptoms and can include:
- a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
- extreme tiredness
- sore throat
- swollen glands
- muscle and joint pain
- loss of appetite
These symptoms should only last for a couple of weeks.
