Do lots of people get cytomegalovirus infection, or is it unusual?

Infection is common: Lots of people are infected with cytomegalovirus (cmv). However, most people with CMV are symptomatic. Those at highest risk of being symptomatic are fetuses and those who are immunocompromised. It is transmitted by body fluids. However, women who have had the infection prior to getting pregnant are unlikely to transmit the infection to their fetus.

Pretty common: Most people have been exposed to the virus, but it generally only causes serious side effects in pregnant women (well on their unborn babies), young babies or immunocompromised individuals (those undergoing transplants, those who have cancer).

More than half: More than half the population has had CMV infection, mostly as children. Infection is dangerous for the fetus if mother has primary infection during pregnancy. New or old infection can be serious in people with immune deficiency.

Yes: The large majority of humankind have the virus, which stays with a person. It's most often transmitted by kissing. Ten percent of kids get it as babies, because mom happens to be one of those folks who shed it. Most of the rest of us get it as teens, without ever knowing it. And kissing is worth it -- more fun than getting it by blood transfusion. Good luck.