sick

[reptimanny]

I was wondering if i can get my cham sick if I'm sick? I have never been sick since ive had my cham but im barely getting the flu and i know it's gonna get worse. I am the only one who cares for my cham so it might be a problem if i get worse.

 

[Elizadolots]

I don't know the answer, but I do know that if I were to get sick, I'd still be the one caring for my chameleons (I'd have to be pretty much bedridden for anyone else to step up to the plate). If you are concerned, you could wear disposable gloves when handling their stuff (including feeders) or going into their cage. Obviously, turn your head away to cough or sneeze. That seems like about as much protection as you could give them.

 

[pantherlover]

good question & good advice. i wondered about this myself. i took similar precautions. maybe someone else who knows the answer will chime in.

 

[reptimanny]

I just don't know how easy it is for chams to contract such diseases or even if they do from people.

 

[SpinyFranky]

well, the human cold/flu or almost any other set of bacteria/virus/disease is a strain of virus/bacteria/disease specially designed/evolved to effect humans.

The cold your dog gets is a different strain of cold that a human can get, if that makes more sense. I honestly think you have little to worry about spreading the flu to a reptile, similarly when a reptile has a URI (essentially their "flu") we have little caution of catching it from them.

that being said, hygiene is always a good thing and wearing a facial mask and gloves when handling the cage/anything in your home that family can come into contact with prevent other family members from contracting what you are currently experiencing.

animal to human wise I would not worry that much. A simple google will give you all the sources needed to back me up.

S.F