What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

So what's this virus that Nigel has?

We were definitely very interested to find out. And it's actually contagious.

We're not particularly concerned.

We're still sharing food because sharing is caring. We're just more careful with our grandparents.
And he gets his own brand new Tsum Tsum cup.
The privileges he's been accorded.
*shakes head.

So Nigel's been home for the past few days yay!
He was warded on the 1/12 and came home on the 12/12.

Hello hair! (:


His doctor's been really honest though. She's very worried about his blood count levels.
We went back on Friday for a blood test.
His white blood count is still very low.
And she says that the graft is very fragile.
Which means it's still there.
That's kinda like good news right? (:
So we've been scheduled for a blood test tomorrow and a follow up on Thursday for the virus checks.

So please do keep Nigel in prayer.
We like him at home.
And we'd love for him to stay home. (:

Thanks for everyone who's checked in on him.
And for those who've checked in on me.
We're really appreciative of all the love and blessings from everyone.

Read on if you'd like to find out more about CMV.

In His love and ours,
Brenda & Nigel.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can infect almost anyone. Once infected, your body retains the virus for life. Most people don't know they have CMV because it rarely causes problems in healthy people. For people with compromised immunity, especially due to organ transplantation, CMV infection can be fatal.

CMV spreads from person to person through body fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, semen and breast milk. There's no cure for the virus. However, medications can help treat newborns and people with weak immune systems.
CMV is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox, herpes simplex and mononucleosis. CMV may cycle through periods when it lies dormant and then reactivates. If you're healthy, CMV mainly stays dormant.
During activation you can pass the virus to other people. Casual contact doesn't transmit CMV. The virus is spread through body fluids — including blood, urine, saliva, breast milk, tears, semen and vaginal fluids.
Transmission might occur through:
  • Touching your eyes or the inside of your nose or mouth after coming into contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
  • Sexual contact with an infected person.
  • The breast milk of an infected mother.
  • Organ transplantation or blood transfusions.
  • Birth. An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby before or during birth. The risk of virus transmission to your baby is higher if it's the first time you've had the infection rather than a reactivated infection.
Risk factors
CMV is a widespread and common virus that can infect almost anyone. Most healthy children and adults who contract the virus have few if any symptoms, so CMV often goes undiagnosed.
Complications
Complications of CMV infection vary, depending on your overall health and when you were infected.

People with weakened immunity

Complications of CMV infection can include:
  • Vision loss, due to inflammation of the light-sensing layer of the eye (retinitis)
  • Digestive system problems, including inflammation of the colon (colitis), esophagus (esophagitis) and liver (hepatitis)
  • Nervous system problems, including brain inflammation (encephalitis)
  • Pneumonia
Prevention
Careful hygiene is the best prevention against CMV. You can take these precautions:
  • Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially if you have contact with young children or their diapers, drool or other oral secretions. This is especially important if the children attend child care.
  • Avoid contact with tears and saliva when you kiss a child. Instead of kissing a child on the lips, for instance, kiss on the forehead. This is especially important if you're pregnant.
  • Avoid sharing food or drinking out of the same glass as others. Sharing glasses and kitchen utensils can spread the CMV virus.
  • Be careful with disposable items. When disposing of diapers, tissues and other items that have been contaminated with bodily fluids, be careful not to touch your hands to your face until after thoroughly washing your hands.
  • Clean toys and countertops. Clean any surfaces that come in contact with children's urine or saliva.
If you have a compromised immune system, you may benefit from taking antiviral medication to prevent CMV disease.

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