Probably a stupid question but here goes

MikeO

MikeO

AC Members
Dec 7, 2004
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Pittsburgh, PA
www.mikeoconnor.net
Ok I probably have the stupidest question ever asked on this forum but here goes.

I have been sick for the last few days, not sure what I have think it might be the flu, so I have avoided doing any work in my tank, is this the correct thing to do. I do know that the flu is known to be interspecies contagious (birds and humans) so I don't want to give it to my fish (if that is possible)

Or am I just being over paranoid.

(I have also read on this board that there are some things that can be passed from fish to human [some talk about fish tb] so I am wondering can something be passed from human to fish)
 
Hey Mike! Sorry you've got the flu. I know how bad that sucks. Hang in there, man. As for the stupid question, it wasn't stupid at all. You're right. Fish TB is transferrable to human beings and thinking that human illnesses can be transferred to fish is not so far fetched. Avian flu, swine flu, bubonic plague, rabies... all transferrable! If you feel up to tank chores I'd say to rinse your hands and forearms in peroxide, then wash with plain warm tap water several times if you're really worried. I have seen no evidence, either scientific or anecdotal, that the flu can be given to fish from a human but stranger things have happened.
 
If it's really the flu, it can't be passed to fish. The flu virus requires warm, mammalian lungs, tracheal passages, and the lining of the throat to infect. Viruses that pass between species are rare, and ones that go between endotherms and ectotherms are very rare. Bacteria tend to make the transition more easily, but have a low occurance, even so.

So--normal waching that you would do before tank maintenance is fine.
 
OrionGirl said:
If it's really the flu, it can't be passed to fish. The flu virus requires warm, mammalian lungs, tracheal passages, and the lining of the throat to infect. Viruses that pass between species are rare, and ones that go between endotherms and ectotherms are very rare. Bacteria tend to make the transition more easily, but have a low occurance, even so.

So--normal waching that you would do before tank maintenance is fine.
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She's good! :bowing:
 
racingjason said:
She's good! :bowing:
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Yip, she is. I wasn't willing to read the research on flu to figure it out. You be sure and let that husband on yours know how lucky he is, OG. ;)
 
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