CMV

I was born with a virus known as cetameglovirus (CMV), it is a member of the herpes family of viruses, and is very common. Between 50-85% of people experience the infection by the time they are 40 years old.

It normally does not cause any serious symptoms, usually the symptoms are mild if there are any. However for cetrain high-risk groups it can some cause serious symptoms. Unborn babies whose mothers become infected with CMV during the pregnancy, or children and adults whose immune system have been weekend by the disease or drug treatment, such as organ transplant recipients or people infected with HIV are at high risk for serious symptoms of CMV.

My mom became infected with the virus while she was still pregnant with me, I was born very ill, and was only given 3 weeks to live. The doctors said if I did survive my life would not be normal, I wouldnt be able to walk, I would be mentally disabled, and much more. However I made it and Im living today with only one remaining side effect of the virus. My right ear is completely deaf, and has been since I was born, therefore it is not a hinderance to me.

I spent alot of time in the Hospital for Sick Children when I was young, and I look forward to the moment I come full circle, taking care of infants who are just like me!

KidsHealth.(2006).Cetameglovirus.Retrieved Dec. 2, 2008 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cytomegalovirus.html