Is it safe to hold my leopard gecko if I have the human flu?

Hello. It is very important that you always wash your hands after handling any reptile & before handling your birds or any materials belonging to the birds. I do not think you need to keep the gecko in a separate room, just use common sense care & everyone will stay safe & healthy. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. I am so sorry you are sick! The good news is your dog cannot get influenza A from you, so you do not need to withhold contact with her. I hope you feel better soon!

Ferrets can get certain strains of influenza from people, so it would probably be best to make sure no one has an active illness before getting the ferret. Kits are more susceptible than adults for getting severe disease, so it's good to keep that in mind when choosing a ferret. For more information about ferrets, I recommend reading the information at the following link: http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/images/AHC/companion/CVS/Ferret_Husbandry_Client_Education.pdf I hope that helps and everyone gets well soon.

This would be an extremely unlikely event and I would consider it basically impossible. Please maintain normal hygiene measures (wash your hands before handling him) to avoid any possibility (if any at al!) of cross-infection.

This type of virus usually affects very young or immuno- compromised dogs and cats and in my experience this possibility is not likely at all, especially in healthy patients. A vaccination exists for them as well as for us. I would recommend to have this matter discussed with your local veterinarian, as no course of action (a part from normal hygiene measures like wash your hands) may be needed.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ferrets are very susceptible to the flu, which they can get from humans and spread to each other. In some cases, infection can be life threatening. I recommend separating Cheech from his companion immediately and having him seen by a vet. You should wear a disposable mask and gloves when handling your ferrets until you recover. Your vet can stabilize him if necessary, and prescribe the appropriate medication to keep him comfortable. I hope all is well!

I am so sorry about your leopard geckos. You are definitely on the right track toward prepping your vivarium safely. It sounds like you have already cleaned everything so it just needs a final sterilization. For your tank, and anything else nonporous, use a bleach solution (1 cup bleach per gallon of water) and let sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Heat and UV will also kill it, so letting it dry in the sun is ideal. Any wood can be baked in the oven at 285deg for 1 hour. You can then consider it safe.