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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Condoms are the ONLY form of contraceptive that protects against sexual infections.
CMV is a virus that spreads through body fluids (spit, semen, blood, vaginal liquids, pee and breast milk).
It can cause permanent disability such as hearing loss, blindness and mental disorders. It can also stunt mental growth in children. The virus can stay in your body for life. You are at risk of infection from close personal contact, sex, oral sex, anal sex, passing infection to a baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and rarely from blood transfusion.
What are the symptoms?
- Usually there are no symptoms when you are infected. But a second infection or another virus can cause illness.
- You might suffer from swollen glands, tiredness, fever, stomach problems, nausea, diarrhoea and general weakness.
- Some people suffer from loss of vision.
What treatment can you get?
Once you have the virus, it stays in your system for life. Visit your doctor to have the virus diagnosed. The illness can be treated with drugs to help relieve symptoms.
How can you prevent Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
Condoms can protect against CMV during sex but you are still at risk of infection by kissing and other sexual contact.
