Cytomegalovirus, commonly referred to as simply CMV, is a virus spread through bodily fluids. It is not unlike other familiar viruses, such as those that cause the chickenpox, herpes and shingles, since CMV goes through periods of both dormancy and activity. However, the only way to pass the virus is to come into contact with the bodily fluids of a person who is currently experiencing an "active" phase of the infection. When the virus is dormant, it is virtually impossible to experience a transmission. If someone is exposed to the cytomegalovirus, he can begin to display certain signs and symptoms, but they are so similar to an average viral infection that he may never know anything is wrong.
Absence of Symptoms
For many people, the cytomegalovirus causes no signs or symptoms of infection, even during an "active" phase of the virus. It isn't until the individual experiences a dip in health that the symptoms will even manifest, and at that they may be so subtle that the go on without detection.
Fatigue and Weakness
Of all the symptoms involving the cytomegalovirus, fatigue and weakness are probably two of the more common. When someone is infected with the virus, the body reacts with an immune response, essentially fighting off the virus. After a period of time, the body eventually becomes tired from the internal conflict, causing fatigue, exhaustion and some level of weakness.
Fever
Often associated with this fatigue and weakness is a fever. With cytomegalovirus, the fever is generally moderate, ranging anywhere around 101 degrees F. But unlike your common fever, this elevation in temperature is much longer than normal and is sometimes accompanied by the "night sweats."
Digestive Discomfort
For many people, an infection of the cytomegalovirus prompts a digestive discomfort. However, this discomfort isn't like other viral infections that cause nausea and vomiting, it is more of an overall feeling of illness that often triggers a loss of appetite. If left untreated, a person can eventually experience a loss in weight.
Aches and Pains
For others, a cytomegalovirus infection means aches and pains. These types of discomforts usually affect the muscles as well as the joints of its sufferers. Though uncomfortable, many people may not become aware of the infection because the aches and pains are fairly brief.
Swelling
It isn't uncommon form the cytomegalovirus to cause some swelling within the glands of the neck, much like your standard viral infection. These swollen glands are commonly accompanied by a sore throat.
Tags: many people, active phase, bodily fluids, fatigue weakness, signs symptoms, that cause, viral infection