Can he get cold or flu from me?

[veimar]

Please don't laugh at my question - I tried to search web for this, but didn't find anything… :52: My hubby got a bad flu and then an infection like a common cold that I probably picked up from him or somewhere else. My GCC likes to sit on my shoulder a lot and he is pretty close to my face. I was just afraid if my cold wouldn't transfer to him since I spend a lot of time with him. I'm not sure if the bacteria causing cold in humans is safe for birds.

Thanks!!

 

[DustytheDusky]

From my experience working in a Veterinary office, Cold/ flus usually stick a specific species. For example Upper Respiratories can spred from one cat to another within a colony of cats but not to the human that lives with them.

However, I would practice your best hygiene practices as birds are rather sensitive creatures.

 

[RavensGryf]

It's not a zoonotic illness (transfer between animals and human). Thank goodness if that were the case birds would be sick all the time as commonly as humans get colds.
Don't worry, the question is not something to laugh at, since you'd be surprised at how commonly it's asked!

 

[MikeyTN]

I would be rather careful about holding them cause throughout the years of owning them I didn't think it was possible too. Until a member off here got sick and it turned into pneumonia and all his birds caught it too, all his birds passed....After hearing that, it made me think twice about holding my birds when I'm ill. But you need to practice personal hygiene if you must hold them.

 

[RavensGryf]

I know you posted that before Mikey... and wow it makes me wonder what illness he had?! That just doesn't sound like the common human cold or flu. No way.
Well, you have a point since all the time new strains of virus are coming out in the population and supposedly "human", but then we hear about bird flu, swine flu, Psittacosis, etc. that can be passed between species.
Oh, and West Nile, rabies ... I know I'm leaving some out...

 

[MonicaMc]

There is a zoonotic illness that can be passed between humans and birds that has "flu like symptoms".


If it's just the common cold though, no birds can't catch it! But as others have said, practice clean hygiene!

 

[lucy1]

A common cold or flu virus will not pass between species (except in *extremely* rare circumstances, essentially nil). Pneumonia is usually bacterial and so can pass between species, hence that particular tragedy.

The best medicine when you're feeling rotten is a feathery cuddle. If you have a sniffle and are all bunged up and feel sorry for yourself, then as Mikey and DustyDusky said, practice good hygiene (hand washing etc) and ideally keep your bird away from your face- you don't want him making contact with mucous membranes which may be harbouring bacteria whilst you're sick. If it is developing into breathing problems and/or chest infection then play safe, stay away and spoil him rotten when you are better.

 

[veimar]

Thanks Lucy and all others who commented! I'm glad I can still have Parry on my shoulder. Right now he is trying to help me to type this sitting on the top of my hand. He really loves to perch on me - I'm probably a soft giant moving tree in his understanding. LOL Although he likes to cuddle with my checks I never let him too close to my mouth - I read somewhere it is not good because of bacteria we carry. So I hope he is safe.
Stay healthy and warm, everyone! We still have winter in Chicago! yikes!