Influenza

[Tina B and crew]

Can cats get infected with influenza Type A? I'm seeing some sites that say yes but it isn't incredibly clear to me. Plus I'm sick as can be and have no patience for research. Doctor confirmed I have type A, which includes H1N1. Should I be concerned?

[Traci]

I would call your vet to get their opinion - at least one of the strains of H1N1 can be transmitted to pets - don't know which one it is though, and the problem is that there are several strains.

I think it would be wise to be cautious and watch the cats for any signs of respiratory illness (sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and other similar symptoms of FVR -URI) - wash hands before handling, don't kiss them, don't get your face close to them etc. There were a few more cases reported in 2011 and 2012 (the 2009 virus was the first to be detected of transmission from humans to cats, dogs, ferrets, etc). Unfortunately, I couldn't find an update on the CDC - your vet might be able to consult VIN or their nearby vet university for any reports.

[Tina B and crew]

Thanks Traci. I'll keep my eye on them. Unfortunately they don't seem to get the "stay away!" Message, especially when I'm under my heated throw. But I'm keeping my distance and we are wiping down surfaces with disinfectant. Doctor didn't specify strain, just type A which includes H1N1 and I know H1n1 is the predominant strain this season. I sure feel like I've been hit by a truck.

[Traci]

You're doing good, watch them carefully and keep washing your hands, treating everything as you are in preventing other members of the family (kiddens too).

Cleo is pretty sick too, in the hospital getting treated for pneumonia, ugh! Take good care of yourself!

[Tina B and crew]

Oh no. I hope Cleo is ok. I'm trying to stay isolated in my little corner. Fortunately when I go into a coughing fit the cats want nothing to do with me. My doctor said I needed to quarantine myself until Monday. My mom is at my brother's. I'll just be glad when I'm back to myself.

[Cleo]

Take good care Tina. I'm writing this from the hospital. I tested positive for flu A as well and despite two weeks of bed rest I ended up with double pneumonia and possible myocarditis. I stayed downstairs with my mom the whole time only to go up to my apartment to feed cats with limited exposure. The steps were killing me. But now I'm so worried about them. My vet told me they couldn't catch the flu but Traci explained pneumonia was different. I did everything I could by way of bed rest, meds and fluids but it still happened. Three trips to the ER in three weeks was ridiculous and I should have been treated more aggressively sooner given my asthma history. But that's an issue I will be taking up with my doctor. Anyway I hope it passes for you quickly. Good thing to get your mom out in the meantime. Mine is okay at the moment but I'm very worried for her as she was exposed.

[Traci]

Just to reiterate - the strain of H1N1 (whichever one that is) that can transmit from humans to pets -

Signs to watch for are similar to feline upper respiratory infection, with a caveat - most URI's in cats can be mild to severe and the same applies to the H1N1 strain - both can cause pneumonia if owner doesn't keep close eye on symptoms, and/or those milder symptoms develop into more severe symptoms. The three reported/tested cases in cats in 2009 resulted in moderate URI's for two cats, severe in a third cat who developed pneumonia and didn't make it. Just as with feline URI's, it is important to monitor your cats for ANY sign of upper respiratory infection when YOU have serious symptoms of the flu virus. These viruses can mutate at any time and while rare, we do need to be vigilant in remembering the H1N1 strain can transmit to our pets. Not trying to be alarmist, it's just wise to be cautious. Whenever symptoms seem to be more than mild, it's always best to talk to your vets, get the cats examined, treated etc.

This flu season is nasty, and everyone I know who has had it, it seems to linger a bit longer than normal. I'm still coughing a month after contracting it and it sounds like you two have it bad. Lots of rest and reduce the stress!

Cleo, hope you get to go home soon, you and Tina take good care of yourselves!

[Tina B and crew]

Wow...sounds like you have it bad Cleo. Sending warm healing thoughts your way. Yes, everyone I know who has had it was hit hard as well. Miserable is an understatement! My doctor said she thinks I got in soon enough that the Tamiflu should help me. I took my first dose yesterday and I do seem to be feeling a bit better right now. Other than the Tamiflu she said to keep doing what I've been doing - rest, lots of liquids (tea with honey, lemon, and ginger is my go to drink when sick), ibuprofen for fever and aches. Tim has been feeding the cats but I'll have to some when he's at work. I'll make sure to wash my hands good before doing so. Right now the cough is my worst symptom, and the sore throat. I didn't sleep well last night because I stayed in the recliner and Doc decided it was play time all through
night. He is a noisy player!!! At least I have some down time today to catch up.

[Traci]

Yeah, that cough was the worst for me too - be careful, chronic coughing can collapse a lung! Vicks 44 helped for me a bit, and Nyquil at night so I could sleep.

And yes, tea! Earl Grey with honey is my favorite.

[Tina B and crew]

Hot black tea with honey, lemon, and a substantial shot of brandy!!

And Doc is wanting to be incredibly clingy today!! He's not happy that I keep running him off my lap. Poor little guy.