CMV Virus Explained: How Common It Is and Who Should Be Careful
A lot of people get cytomegalovirus, or CMV, at some point in their lives. The CDC says that about half of people in the US between the ages of 6 and 49 have been exposed to CMV, based on NHANES surveys from 1988 to 2004. The older you get, the more likely you are to get CMV. For instance, about 36% of kids between the ages of 6 and 11 have CMV antibodies, but this number goes up to over 80% in adults between the ages of 40 and 49. More recent studies have found similar results, which shows that CMV is still very common today.
It’s easy to see why many people don’t know they have CMV: most infections don’t show any signs. When symptoms do show up, they are usually mild and can feel like a cold or flu, with tiredness, fever, or a sore throat. Because of this, CMV often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Why CMV Can Be Dangerous for Some People
CMV is not harmful to most healthy people, but it can be dangerous for some groups. CMV is very important when you’re pregnant. If a woman gets CMV for the first time while pregnant, the virus can get to her unborn child. This could cause major health issues like hearing loss, vision problems, or delays in development.
People with weak immune systems, like those with HIV, cancer, or who have had an organ transplant, are also at risk from CMV. For these people, CMV can make them very sick and hurt their eyes, lungs, or digestive system.
The good news is that basic hygiene practices, such as washing your hands often, not sharing utensils, and following safe health rules, can help stop the spread of CMV. Being aware is important. People can protect themselves and their loved ones better if they know about CMV.
