Preventing Infections Caused by Pets in Persons with HIV / AIDS

Jan. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Should I keep my pets?

Yes. Most people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can and should keep their pets. Having a pet can be rewarding. Pets can help you feel psychologically and even physically better. For many people, pets are more than just animals ... are like family members. However, it is important that you know the risks of owning a pet or caring for animals. The animals may be carriers of dangerous infections for you. Your decision to own or care for pets should be based on knowledge of what you need to do to protect yourself from these infections.

What kinds of infections could I get from an animal?

The animals can be carriers of cryptosporidiosis ("crypto"), toxoplasmosis ("toxo"), Mycobacterium avium complex ("MAC") and other complex diseases. These diseases can cause problems like severe diarrhea, brain infections and skin lesions. In other booklets in this series you can find more information on many of these diseases and how to prevent them. The list of these publications is included at the end of this booklet.

Preventing infections carried by animals

Always wash hands with soap and water after playing with or caring for animals. This is especially important before handling food to eat.

Be careful what you eat or drink their animals. Feed them only pet food or cook meat thoroughly before giving it to your pet. Do not give raw or undercooked meat. Do not let your pets drink from toilet or into garbage. Do not let your pets hunt or eat the feces of other animals.

Do not touch the animals with diarrhea. If the last more than one or two days, diarrhea ask a friend or relative who is not infected with HIV take your pet to a veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian to determine which are infections that could have caused diarrhea.

No drive home a sick animal. Do not get a pet that is less than six months old, especially if you have diarrhea. If you buy a pet from a pet store, farm animals or a municipal animal shelter, check the sanitary conditions and license of those places. If you are not sure about the health of the animal, ask your veterinarian consideration.

Do not touch stray animals because they might get scratched or bitten. Stray animals can carry many infections.

Never touch the stool of any animal.

Please change daily litter your cat by someone who is not infected with HIV than a pregnant woman. If you must clean the box yourself, wear vinyl or rubber gloves and wash hands with soap and water immediately after changing the litter.

Let cutting nails your cat so that it can not scratch. Talk to your veterinarian for other ways to prevent scratching. If you do get scratched or bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water. *

Do not let your pet lick your mouth or any open cuts or wounds you may have.

Do not kiss your pet.

Keep asu animals free of fleas.

Avoid reptiles such as snakes, lizards and turtles. If you touch any reptile, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.

Wear vinyl or rubber gloves when cleaning aquariums or animal cages and wash your hands immediately after completing the task.

Avoid exotic pets such as monkeys and ferrets, or wild animals such as raccoons, lions, bats and skunks.

I have a job that involves working with animals. Should I give up?

The Jobs working with animals (such as jobs in pet stores, animal clinics, farms and slaughterhouses) carry a risk of infection. Talk to your doctor about whether you should work with animals. People who work with animals should take the following additional precautions:

Comply with workplace safety and reduce the risk of infection. Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as coveralls, boots and gloves.

Do not clean chicken coops or dig in areas where birds roost if histoplasmosis (his-to-plaz-MO-sis) in the area.

Do not touch baby farm animals, especially if they have diarrhea.

Can a person with HIV infect your pet?

No. HIV can not be spread by cats, dogs, birds and other pets, or you catch it from them. Many viruses cause diseases that are similar to AIDS, such as feline leukemia virus, or FeLV V, in cats. These viruses cause disease only in a certain animal and can not infect other animals or humans. For example, the FeL V only infects cats, but can not infect humans or dogs.

What analysis requires a pet before you take it home?

The pet should be in good general health. No special tests are needed unless the animal has diarrhea or looks sick. If your pet seems sick, your veterinarian can help you choose the tests you need.

What should I do when I visit friends or relatives who have animals?

When visiting someone who has animals take the same precautions you would in your own home. Do not touch the animals who may be sick. Some pets, like cats, they may bite or scratch away from children. Adults should be particularly vigilant and monitor hand washing an HIV-infected child to prevent infection.

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