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National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention |
Yes. Most people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can and should keep their pets. Owning a pet can be rewarding. Pets can help you feel psychologically and even physically better. For many people, pets are more than just animals — they are like members of the family. However, you should know the health risks of owning a pet or caring for animals. Animals may carry infections that can be harmful to you. Your decision to own or care for pets should be based on knowing what you need to do to protect yourself from these infections.
What kinds of infections could I
get Animals can have cryptosporidiosis ("crypto"), toxoplasmosis ("toxo"), Mycobacterium avium complex ("MAC"), and other diseases. These diseases can give you problems like severe diarrhea, brain infections, and skin lesions. You can learn more about many of these diseases and how to prevent them from other brochures in this series. These are listed at the end of this brochure.
What can I do to protect myself
from
Always wash your hands well with soap
and water after playing with or caring
for animals. This is especially important
before eating or handling food.
Don’t handle animals that have
diarrhea. If the pet’s diarrhea lasts for
more
Don’t bring home an unhealthy pet.
Don’t get a pet that is younger than 6
Don’t touch stray animals because you
could get scratched or bitten. Stray
Don’t ever touch the stool of any animal.
Ask someone who is not infected with
HIV
Have your cat’s nails clipped so it can’t
scratch you. Discuss other ways to prevent scratching with your veterinarian. If
you do get scratched or bitten, immediately wash the wounds well with soap
and water.*
Don’t let your pet lick your mouth or any
open cuts or wounds you may have.
Don’t kiss your pet.
Keep fleas off your pet.
Avoid reptiles such as snakes, lizards,
and turtles. If you touch any reptile,
immediately wash your hands well with
soap and water.
Wear vinyl or household cleaning
gloves when you clean aquariums or
animal cages and wash your hands
well right after you finish.
Avoid exotic pets such as monkeys, and
ferrets, or wild animals such as
*If you are bitten, you may need to seek medical advice.
I have a job that involves working with animals.
Should I quit?
Jobs working with animals (such as jobs in pet
stores, animal clinics, farms, and slaughterhouses) carry a risk for infections. Talk with
your doctor about whether you should work
with animals. People who work with animals
should take these extra precautions:
Follow your worksite’s rules to stay safe
and reduce any risk of infection. Use or
wear personal protective gear, such as
coveralls, boots, and gloves.
Don’t clean chicken coops or dig in
areas where birds roost if histoplasmosis
Don’t touch young farm animals,
especially if they have diarrhea.
Can someone with HIV give it
to their pets?
No. HIV can not be spread to, from, or by cats,
dogs, birds, or other pets. Many viruses cause
diseases that are like AIDS, such as feline
leukemia virus, or FeLV, in cats. These viruses
cause illness only in a certain animal and
cannot infect other animals or humans. For
example, FeLV infects only cats. It does not
infect humans or dogs.
Are there any tests a pet should
have before I bring it home?
A pet should be in overall good health. You
don’t need special tests unless the animal has
diarrhea or looks sick. If your pet looks sick,
your veterinarian can help you choose the tests
it needs.
What should I do when I visit
friends or relatives who have animals?
When you visit anyone with pets, take the same
precautions you would in your own home.
Don’t touch animals that may not be healthy.
You may want to tell your friends and family
about the need for these precautions before
you plan any visits.
Should children with HIV
handle pets?
The same precautions apply for children as for
adults. However, children may want to snuggle
more with their pets. Some pets, like cats, may
bite or scratch to get away from children.
Adults should be extra watchful and supervise
an HIV-infected child’s handwashing to prevent
infections.
CDC National AIDS Hotline CDC National Prevention
Information Network
CDC Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention Internet
Coinfection with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus
June 1999
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