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This article was medically reviewed by Mark Ziats, MD, PhD. Dr. Mark Ziats is an Internal Medicine Physician, Scientist, Entrepreneur, and the Medical Director of xBiotech. With over five years of experience, he specializes in biotechnology, genomics, and medical devices. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine, a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cambridge, and a BS in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Clemson University. He also completed the INNoVATE Program in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship at The Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. Dr. Ziats is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 12,258 times.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus, and roughly 50% of people in the US have already been exposed to it. However, a healthy adult typically experiences flu-like symptoms or none at all. The virus is only dangerous to HIV positive people, transplant recipients, and others with compromised immune systems, as well as a minority of exposed newborns.[1] Without proper identification and treatment, the disease can be fatal to these individuals. The best way to reduce the chance of CMV infection is to avoid contact with bodily fluids, including blood, mucous, semen, and saliva. Washing your hands regularly will also help.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Staying Clean
Wash your hands. Washing your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds can help prevent CMV, especially after changing diapers or touching saliva, urine, or nasal secretions from a young child. To wash your hands properly, use soap and lather for at least 10 seconds. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands as well as your palms. Get under the fingernails and between the fingers.[2]- Encourage your children to practice hand washing, too. Instruct them in the proper method.
Don’t touch the inside of your nose or mouth.[3] Since CMV is absorbed through the mucous membranes, keeping your hands out of the nose and mouth is a crucial step in preventing infection. Instead of picking a bit of stray food out of your teeth, for instance, use a toothpick or swish some water around in your mouth.- Use a tissue to blow your nose. Wash your hands afterward.
- Always wash your hands before flossing.
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Avoid contact with blood. Blood transfusions and transplanted organs can lead to CMV infection.[4] While there is sometimes no alternative, consult your doctor to help you find potential alternatives to blood transfusions and organ transplants if you are concerned about CMV.- Using and sharing dirty needles could also cause a CMV infection. If you are addicted to intravenous drugs (or any other kind of drugs), seek help from a qualified substance abuse counselor.
- If cleaning up a surface that has blood on it, wear disposable gloves.[5] Cover the blood drops with paper towel and allow them to soak the blood. Pour a 10% bleach solution around the edges of the blood. Continue pouring the solution toward the center of the blood, then dispose of the paper towel. Wipe up any remaining blood, then spray the area once more with bleach and wipe it away with paper towels. Place all the paper towels and disposable gloves you used in the trash.
- Sterilize items that have come in contact with blood in rubbing alcohol or boiling water.
- 4Be extra careful if your immune system is compromised.[6] Individuals with HIV/AIDS or another autoimmune deficiency should take extra steps to avoid contracting CMV. For instance, avoid cutting yourself, and apply first aid immediately if you do. Continue to take medication as prescribed and to follow any other instructions from your doctor. If you develop any CMV symptoms (see below), seek immediate medical attention.
- Maintain excellent hygiene and avoid contact with recently used bedding or other materials which may contain bodily fluids.[7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Practicing Good Hygiene With Others
Do not share utensils, cups, or plates. It’s pleasant to dine with your friends and family, but when you do, always use your own cup, utensils, and dishes. Otherwise, you could accidentally expose yourself to CMV-infected saliva.[8]- If someone offers you a sip of their drink, politely decline. Say, for instance, “Thanks, but I’m not thirsty.”
- Use care when throwing out paper, plastic, or other disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Wash your hands after handling these items.
Practice safe sex.[9] People who have been infected with CMV can pass it on to their sexual partners. Use a condom during sex in order to limit the chance of getting a CMV infection. Do not have sex with people whose sexual history you do not know.- Since bodily fluids contain the CMV virus, use protection during oral sex as well.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Recognizing Symptoms
Look for a fever.[10] Fever is characterized by a feeling of being very hot or very chilled, even in an environment that is at a comfortable temperature. Use a thermometer to diagnose whether someone has a fever. For adults, any body temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC) is considered a fever.- The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Your particular body temperature might be a bit higher or lower than this. Use an abnormal temperature and related symptoms to determine if you have a fever.
- Other symptoms of fever include sweating, shivering, headaches, and dehydration.
- Temperatures between 103 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit might result in confusion, irritability, or hallucinations.
Stay aware of throat pain. Swollen glands and a sore throat could indicate you’ve contracted CMV.[11] If your throat hurts constantly, feels scratchy or raspy, or your neck feels swollen, monitor your condition.- Use an over-the-counter throat medicine to relieve swelling and pain in your throat.
Monitor your energy levels. Individuals with CMV often suffer from extreme fatigue.[12] You may feel listless and constantly tired. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night in order to reduce feelings of fatigue.
See a doctor. Since the symptoms of CMV could be due to many illnesses, it is important to confirm or rule out the existence of CMV with a blood test.[13] If symptoms consistent with CMV persist, talk to your doctor about your condition. He or she may recommend that you get a test to look for CMV and prescribe a treatment plan.- Individuals with compromised immune systems might exhibit additional symptoms, including diarrhea, hepatitis, shortness of breath, and pneumonia.
- Infants with congenital CMV might also exhibit unique symptoms, such as jaundice, seizures, a rash of purple spots across the skin, and a low birth weight.[14]
- A laboratory test can detect the virus in a person's body fluids (blood or urine) or by a tissue biopsy.
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- CMV can cause symptoms when a baby is born or later in the baby’s life.Thanks
- Vaccines for preventing CMV infection are in development.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cmv/symptoms-causes/syc-20355358
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cmv/symptoms-causes/syc-20355358
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cmv/symptoms-causes/syc-20355358
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/overview.html
- ↑ http://www.oseh.umich.edu/pdf/sop/blood_spill_sop.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cytomegalovirus/Pages/Prevention.aspx
- ↑ http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/cytomegalovirus-eng.php
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cmv/symptoms-causes/syc-20355358
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cmv/symptoms-causes/syc-20355358
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/basics/symptoms/con-20019229
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/overview.html
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/overview.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cmv/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20029514
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cytomegalovirus/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
About this article
Mark Ziats, MD, PhD
Internal Medicine Physician
This article was medically reviewed by Mark Ziats, MD, PhD. Dr. Mark Ziats is an Internal Medicine Physician, Scientist, Entrepreneur, and the Medical Director of xBiotech. With over five years of experience, he specializes in biotechnology, genomics, and medical devices. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine, a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cambridge, and a BS in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Clemson University. He also completed the INNoVATE Program in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship at The Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. Dr. Ziats is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. This article has been viewed 12,258 times.
Co-authors: 7
Updated: April 8, 2021
Views: 12,258
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12,258 times.
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