Acquired Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus is one of the world’s most common viral infections and is transmitted through close bodily contact between people.

In this article:

What is acquired cytomegalovirus?

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

How Chemist Online can help

Advice & Support

What is acquired cytomegalovirus?
Acquired cytomegalovirus is a viral condition which is so common, it is estimated that up to 80 per cent of all adults in the UK who are middle-aged or older become infected with it at some point in their lives. Note: An ‘acquired condition’ is one that is contracted for the first time.

Acquired cytomegalovirus is caused by a virus which is part of the herpes group or ‘family’ or viruses. The condition can be difficult to spot or diagnose as the symptoms are few (unlike other viral infections, such as genital herpes, for example…).

Other types of cytomegalovirus are:

Recurring cytomegalovirus – where a previous dormant cytomegalovirus reoccurs as a result of your immune system becoming weakened for some reason.

Congenital cytomegalovirus – where the infection develops in pregnancy (the unborn baby being affected).

This article will focus upon acquired cytomegalovirus.

Symptoms
Symptoms of acquired cytomegalovirus include:

Swollen glands

Fever

Fatigue

Muscle pain

Aching joints

Loss of appetite (and therefore weight-loss)

Cough and sore throat

Headaches

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last for up to 14 days.

Note: For the vast majority of people with acquired cytomegalovirus there will be no noticeable symptoms.

Causes
Acquired cytomegalovirus is generally passed on through human bodily contact and is spread through bodily fluids, such as: saliva, semen, urine, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood and even tears.

You can become infected through sexual intercourse, kissing, by being in the company of an infected person who sneezes or coughs, or through having a blood transfusion. Also, if your immune system has become weakened through becoming infected with HIV, or you have received treatment for cancer (i.e. chemotherapy), you may be more susceptible to developing acquired cytomegalovirus.

Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP. After taking your medical history and asking you some questions about your symptoms, you will then be asked to have a blood test.

Where a confirmed diagnosis of acquired cytomegalovirus is made, an appropriate course of treatment will be recommended to you.

Treatment
There is no actual cure for acquired cytomegalovirus. Symptoms should pass in a few days.

Drink plenty of water, to prevent dehydration. This will also help to relieve flu-like symptoms (fever, headache and sore throat).

How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have a range of treatments available to buy which can help ease the symptoms (and associated symptoms) of acquired cytomegalovirus in adults. These treatments include: paracetamol and ibuprofen.

If you are purchasing for your child, always opt for the mild painkillers. Please also be sure to seek advice from one of our pharmacists before purchasing: e-mail pharmacist@chemistonline.co.uk

Important note: Never give a child aspirin (if they are under 16 years of age), as this can be dangerous to their health.


www.chemistonline.co.uk



Advice & Support
Herpes Viruses Association
Helpline: 0845 123 2305
Website: www.herpes.org.uk


This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.






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