Is it safe to get a ferret if my family recently had the flu?

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!

Thank you for your question about your ferrets, and I am so happy to hear that your older ferret is doing better! Yes, you should be able to introduce your ferrets now that your older one is feeling better, but I would ensure that he is completely at 100% before doing so. And of course, doing this process slowly to ensure that the new ferret doesn't pick on your older one. I typically tell people to wait a couple of weeks prior to the introductions after they have been affected with coronavirus - this is because they often lose weight when they are sick and I want them to gain as much back as possible. I also like for their stool to return back to normal, and to ensure that they are back to their normal hydration as well. If you are questioning at all whether your older ferret is in tip top shape to be able to introduce to your new ferret, I would recommend a recheck examination with your veterinarian. Also, if there were any abnormalities on blood work values or anything else, they can also recheck those to ensure that everything is as normal as possible prior to the introductions. I hope that gives you a place to start, and again I am very happy that your older ferret is feeling better.

Thanks for reaching out about Cocoa. Ferrets are susceptible to influenza so monitor her health for now. If becomes ill, a veterinary visit early in the process is more likely to respond to therapy. You could always purchase a thermometer and take her temperature. If concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Ferrets cannot contract infectious diseases from people. So you not have to worry that you have passed anything on to them. However, they are susceptible to a number of their own infectious diseases and, depending on their vaccine status may be infected with distemper virus (https://www.petcoach.co/article/canine-distemper-in-ferrets-cause-prevention-and-vaccines/). This disease is almost always fatal in ferrets. If your ferrets are unvaccinated, it is very important that you take your ferrets to see the veterinarian. Unfortunately, there is nothing you will be able to do for them at home and they will certainly need veterinary medical care.

Ferrets occasionally suffer from colds and flu quite similar to humans, they will often sneeze and be lethargic when that happens. when a ferret has a fever he will usually stay still, sleep a lot and won't eat much. in order to get him better you will need to take him to the vet as he he may need to take medications to get better.

If they are sick, it would be best to wait until they recover before bathing them. The stress could make their illness worse. What you can do is use a pet wipe or plain, unscented baby wipe to "spot clean" them.

I don't think the smell alone would cause harm, but it is always best to make sure your children wash their hands and that your ferret's enclosure is kept clean to prevent the spread of any germs. Keeping Piper in a different room that your baby is also a good idea for general safety unless both are supervised.