How to avoid getting a sick piggy?

[rachieanne99]

Hello all! I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving! Mine, unfortunately, was spent in bed. I am very very sick with a sinus infection and bronchitis. I am a few days into taking my antibiotic, but I am still concerned about being around my pig. I have read on these forums and such that piggies can catch bacterial things. So..what types of precautions should I take? Should I wash my hands, not breathe on her, move her cage, or not handle her at all? Also, she is in my bedroom, where I am most of the time. Should I consider moving her cage until I am better? I'm not sure how much I should worry about this...any advice?? Thanks so much!

[The Magic Taco]

Oh dear! Get well soon!

I have been sick lately, and I get lonely when everyone else is at school, so guinea pigs are fun to play with. I didn't breathe on them and I washed my hands, and they're fine. I'm nearly over my cough and they're fine.

[cavy-cool-crazy]

Aww poor you. I hope you get better soon.

As far as your pig goes, if you could get someone else to look after her and handle her until you are over the worst then it would be better for everyone. As long as you don't breathe on her and cover your mouth when you cough/sneeze then your piggy should be fine. But better to be safe. I don't think it's necessary to move the cage out of the room as long as you follow those few basic precautions.

[Herbie Girl]

Hope you feel better. You can always wear one of those mask doctors wear. That will prevent beathing on them if you are concerned but if you have someone else to handle them for a few days that would be great too.




Becky

[Lacy&Buttercup]

I hope you feel better soon. When I'm sick, I worry about getting my pigs sick too.

[Ly&Pigs]

Bacterias can pass through the air. Being in the same room may not be a good idea if you are really sick and not sure if what you have is bacterial or viral. I would have someone else feed, water and play with the pigs until you are better.

[amyjane]

You're not very likely to pass on your germs to your guinea pigs. Even if you are still worried, after several days of antibiotics, you shouldn't be very contagious anymore.