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  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

Is flu transmissible from humans to rabbits?

No, i'm pretty sure that the human influenza virus is host specific - humans. But bacteria we carry in our noses/throats when we have a cold can possibly transmit to bunny, as can other viruses such as herpes simplex etc.. (cold sores) so it's a good idea if you are poorly to make sure you wash your hands carefully before handling your bunnies or their food and avoid sneezing all over them!
 
Rabbits can't contract human flu (though interestingly ferrets and chipmunks can) but as prettylupin has already said we shed more other possible bugs when ill with flu so can transfer more minor infections.
 
marie_kubiak said:
Rabbits can't contract human flu (though interestingly ferrets and chipmunks can) but as prettylupin has already said we shed more other possible bugs when ill with flu so can transfer more minor infections.
Click to expand...

That's v interesting! I didn't know that. Thank you Marie for confirming this. :)
 
A very helpful thread. :thumb:

I'd been wondering this too as I've had a chest infection for the past week and have been very careful when I've been near my buns or chinchillas, just in case.

Years ago I'm sure I'd read somewhere that chins could catch human flu viruses, but have never been able to find where I read it.
 
A very interesting question - it looks like we all need to be careful when we are poorly just in case.

I understand Hamsters and Guinea Pigs can become poorly from contact with the human cold.
 
Thank u all very much for ur answers.
I also have Guinea Pigs and when I asked the vet a few years ago this question, he said "no". But anyway, I'm careful when I'm sick.
 
I also have Guinea Pigs and when I asked the vet a few years ago this question, he said "no". But anyway, I'm careful when I'm sick.
Click to expand...

Guinea Pigs can catch bacterial infections but not viruses. I think Flu is a virus so your piggies should be ok too.
 
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