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 Swine Flu

By: Joanne | April 28, 2009 | Category: Health

Just when I thought that cold and flu season was over, here it is, swine flu. I’m sure that by now you’ve heard news reports of the outbreak of swine flu, first in Mexico, now there are reported cases in the United States and in other countries as well.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the swine flu  is a respiratory disease that is commonly found in pigs. Sometimes humans pick it up, and sometimes it can be transferred from person to person.

What should you do?

In the immortal words of Douglas Adams, don’t panic.

Stay informed. Know if there has been a swine flu outbreak where you live or where you’re planning to travel. The CDC is investigating and tracking the reported cases of swine flu. Also listen to reports and guidance from your state and local health agencies.

Wash your hands! I sound more and more like my mother, but she’s right, keeping your hands clean is an important step to reducing the spread of disease. Follow regular disease prevention steps like covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when you’re sick, and practicing good health habits.

If you live in an area with an outbreak and you get sick with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, the CDC recommends you contact your health care provider.

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