Already a member? Sign in
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus found around the world. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (mono). Between 50 percent and 80 percent of adults in the United States have had a CMV infection by age 40. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life.
Most people with CMV don't get sick. But infection with the virus can be very serious in babies and people with weak immune systems. If a woman gets CMV when she is pregnant, she can pass it on to her baby. CMV does not harm most babies. But some develop lifelong disabilities.
CMV is spread through close contact with body fluids. You should use good hygiene, including proper hand washing, to avoid catching or spreading the virus. Most people with CMV don't require treatment. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine.