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General Being ill around guinea pigs

newToCavies

Member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Jan 12, 2012
Messages
18
So I woke up with a sore throat this morning, which usually means a week of being sick - My mom told me that guinea pigs can catch illnesses from humans and that hers had died that way when she had them, so I'm worried about picking them up. I haven't picked them up yet today because I've been worried about them catching it from me, even though it's really early.

How careful do you need to be when you are feeling like you might be contagious? What do you all usually do? Is it true that they can catch human illnesses?
 
I have the same question. I've got a pretty nasty cold right now and don't want to pass it to my little friend.
 
I would suggest limiting contact and making sure you wash your hands with a antibacterial soap before handling any food for your furry friend.
 
Most human viruses are not zoonotic (transmittable from human to animal or vice-versa). There are a few strains of influenza that are, but I don't know of one that is transmittable to Guinea Pigs. Use standard precautions and wash your hands before and after handling them, but I really don't think you have anything to worry about.
 
Thanks! :) I got to hold my piggies this morning :)
 
There shouldn't be much of a risk at all. Just limit contact if you start coughing, and wash your hands. Contact should only be avoided if it's a bacterial infection like bacterial pneumonia which in pigs could lead to a URI.
 
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