HELP; My sister probably has H1N1!

[Marley21]

She caught it from her boyfriend who has been confirmed to have H1N1. Help! What do I do, will my birds die? I have been feeling ill as well lately but didnt think anything of it but allergies....Im scared, they are my angels, what should I do? She never comes in my room with the birds, but I might have been exposed, and I kissed the birds yesterday! Oh No!

[Emmilyy]

i know how you are feelig. I just found out my cousin is in the hospital with it. She is a year younger than me and like my sister. I'm so worried about her,.

[shellbeme]

Well I wouldn't panic. The only information I have read of birds being infected have been mild cases-I don't think we know just yet how it can effect them. Just keep an eye on them, if they seem ill, take them to the avian vet, just like you'd normally do.

[Marley21]

Well my sister is in bed...our family never takes illness serious, we puke, we get better, but since her bf has been confirmed, she needs to see a docter so I know if Im at risk, or my birds....of course I care about her first, but im so worried!

[Marley21]

I took airborne and vitamins and am having a 'drink' to help kill bacteria...The birds have been sneezing but its very dry here, and I need to get the humidifier, it just seems like allergies, nothing else is abnormal....

[asulli]

I know there is a lot of stuff out there about this flu. I will tell you that I know 2 people who had it here in Houston. The daughter of the girl who works here had it. The doctor made sure that she was resting, plenty of fluids and gave her a shot, I believe is Tamiflu, to lessen the symptoms. The mother did not get it and she was exposed the whole time.

This young girl is fine and was out of school for about 1 week.

Rest, fluids and a good diet is a good way to make sure that your immune system is strong enough to help you through it.

[perchingbird]

H1N1 is a virus, so things that work against bacteria are wasted effort. Supplement with things that build the immune system, and keep you and your birds well rested and entertained. Life as usual, low stress. :) That helps keep the immune system strong.

People at risk of complications from H1N1 are those under 24 and with a compromised immune system. I don't think you need to worry about your birds.

[T.W.]

H1N1 has been confirmed in a 13 year old cat in Iowa, and with meds it recovered. Two ferrets, one in Oregon and One in Nebraska were also confirmed with the virus, The Nebraska ferret died and the Oregon ferret has recovered. The American Veterinary Medical Association is reminding people that many viruses can pass between people and animals, so monitor your pets closely, no matter what type of animal and get to the vet if you notice signs of illness. If all seems well with your birds, don't worry. I will be in big trouble in my house, as I have a zoo.

[Marley21]

Yeah....so do I! Id spend my life paying back vet bills.......

[birdmom1]

Swine (H1N1) Flu Risk Unknown For Small Pets And Pet Birds, SmallAnimalChannel.com

Hope this helps