Primary CMV
If you have symptoms after being infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) for the first time, painkillers that are available from pharmacies, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help relieve the symptoms of fever and pain. Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin.
Drinking plenty of water or unsweetened fruit juice will help relieve the symptoms of fever and sore throat, as well as preventing dehydration.
Congenital and reoccurring CMV
Congenital CMV and CMV that reoccurs due to a weakened immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) can be treated with antiviral medicines. Antiviral medicines cannot cure a congenital CMV infection, but can slow its progress.
Antiviral medicines
Ganciclovir (brand name Cymevene) is an antiviral medicine that is often used to treat CMV. However, it cannot usually be given during pregnancy.
Ganciclovir can cause several side effects. One of the main side effects is bone marrow suppression. Bone marrow is a spongy material found in the hollow centres of some bones. It contains special cells called stem cells, which produce other specialised cells such as:
- red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
- white blood cells, which help fight infection
- platelets, which help stop bleeding
If ganciclovir suppresses your bone marrow, these specialised cells may not be produced. This can lead to a low white blood cell count and, therefore, an increased risk of a serious bacterial infection. Low levels of platelets can cause increased bleeding, and a lack of red blood cells can cause anaemia, which may lead to extreme tiredness.
See Cymevene - side effects for more side effects of this medication.
Other possible antiviral medicines include:
These medicines can also cause side effects. The links above provide more information about them.
Hospital treatment
It may be necessary to keep babies who are born with congenital CMV in hospital until their normal organ function, such as their liver function, returns. They will also need to stay in hospital if they are being treated with the antiviral medicine ganciclovir.
Adults with a weakened immune system and who have organ damage as a result of CMV may require hospital admission.
