Get the H1N1 vaccine, for your cat's sake...

The H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed in a cat treated at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  I don't know about you, but it never even occurred to me that my cat could catch the flu from me.

Here is the story:

http://www.kcci.com/health/21521430/detail.ht ml

*wonders how many people would get the H1N1 vaccine to protect their cat, but not to protect the vulnerable sectors of the human population*

Last time I was at the vet, there were pamphlets to get your dog vaccinated against the canine flu.

Animals immune systems are a lot stronger than humans, afaik.

*brings her cat in for a swine flu vaccine*

Original Post by cptbunny:

Animals immune systems are a lot stronger than humans, afaik.

 I'm also told this is true.  My dad did his physicians' residency in surgery, and they had to operate on dogs (before they were allowed to operate on humans).  He said dogs healed a lot more easily and quickly than people.

it would have had to mutate again for a cat to catch it. it had to mutate from pigs for us to catch it.

they can't catch it directly from you; but if the spread/etc. is lessened (through vaccinations) then there is less chance of the mutation.. but it looks like it's too late now.

There are diseases that can affect people and certain animals without needing to mutate.  They are easily passed back and forth.  The article makes it sound like H1N1 might be one of them.

FYI:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/transmis sion.htm

There have been reports in ferrets and other households pets as well. It's not unheard of. H1N1 is a type A influenza and transmissible. One also sheds the virus for longer than usual in H1N1 per recent studies. So its contagious longer.

Also, humans with the strongest immune systems that have been hit particularly hard by H1N1. (Just for those using "pets have strong immune systems" argument)

Today at work I delivered a box of the H1N1 vaccine between the pharmacies I work for, while I was driving with the box in my backseat I thought what great stocking stuffers each little vile would make.

Original Post by punkybrew:

FYI:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/transmis sion.htm

There have been reports in ferrets and other households pets as well. It's not unheard of. H1N1 is a type A influenza and transmissible. One also sheds the virus for longer than usual in H1N1 per recent studies. So its contagious longer.

Also, humans with the strongest immune systems that have been hit particularly hard by H1N1. (Just for those using "pets have strong immune systems" argument)

 

Yeah, but even the strongest human immune system is still inferior to an animal's.

Original Post by schnooder:

Today at work I delivered a box of the H1N1 vaccine between the pharmacies I work for, while I was driving with the box in my backseat I thought what great stocking stuffers each little vile would make.

haha yeah...

to hell with pregnant women and babies and children and young adults - save the cats!

Original Post by clharr:

There are diseases that can affect people and certain animals without needing to mutate.  They are easily passed back and forth.  The article makes it sound like H1N1 might be one of them.

 Really?! Even viruses? I didn't know that.