Entry bubble H1N1 (Swine) Flu and Your Pet

By: Joanne | November 10, 2009 | Category: Health

Close-up of grey cat with blue eyesI was shocked last week when I heard the report that a cat in the U.S. was sick with the H1N1 (swine) flu. Poor kitty. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website confirms that there was a cat with H1N1, and the kitty required medical care, but recovered. They also say that some ferrets were infected with the virus.

The good news is that the CDC thinks you won’t get the H1N1 flu from your pet. The bad news is that they think that your pet can get the flu from you.

If you get the flu, how do you protect your pet? You protect your pet the same way you protect your family and friends: cover your coughs and sneezes, wash, wash, wash your hands, and try to minimize contact until 24 hours after your fever is gone.

If your pet gets the flu, what should you do? If a person in your home has flu-like symptoms, and your pet becomes sick with coughing, sneezing or other respiratory symptoms, contact your veterinarian. Oh, and tell your kitty to sneeze into her paw.

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Entry bubble Flu Vaccines

By: Joanne | October 06, 2009 | Category: Health

The H1N1 (swine) flu is spreading, and this week H1N1 flu vaccinations will be arriving in just about every state.

Did you know that there are two flu vaccines this year? That’s right, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) encourages you to get a vaccination for the regular old seasonal flu, and to be fully protected they also recommend the special vaccine for the H1N1 (swine) flu. The seasonal flu shot will not protect you against H1N1.

Are you in a high risk group? Pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious illness or death from the flu, and should get their flu vaccinations as soon as it becomes available.

Even if you get the flu vaccines this year, it’s important to remember that the vaccines aren’t 100% effective in preventing illness, so be sure to practice good habits to prevent the spread of disease, and to take good care of yourself if you do get the flu.

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