Recently there have been confirmed reports of companion animals becoming infected with H1N1 that has been transmitted to them by their infected "companion" human. The latest is a cat. But two ferrets and several pigs have also been infected in the last few weeks. The first tip: Keep your companion animals away from family members when the family members get sick. Keep the animals out of the "sickbay" bedroom. Second tip: You can protect your companion animals by giving them two doses of FSBS Plus daily for the remainder of the pandemic. Third tip: Stop kissing the pigs.

Here's the latest information on H1N1 and companion animals from the CDC:

11/5/09
2009 H1N1 in Companion Animals

What animals can be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus?
In addition to humans, live swine and turkeys, we know that ferrets (which are highly susceptible to influenza A viruses) and a domestic cat have been infected with 2009 H1N1 virus. CDC is working closely with domestic and international public and animal heath partners to continually monitor this situation and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.

How do companion animals become infected with 2009 H1N1?
All available information suggests that the ferrets and domestic cat with 2009 H1N1 infections acquired the virus through close contact with ill humans. Transmission of 2009 H1N1 virus from humans to animals appears similar to human-to-human transmission.

Can I get 2009 H1N1 influenza from my pet?
Available evidence suggests that transmission has been from ill humans to their companion animals. No evidence is available to suggest that animals are infecting humans with 2009 H1N1 virus.

What do I do if I am sick with flu-like symptoms and I have pets?
If you are sick with influenza-like-illness, take the same precautions with your pets that you would to keep your family and friends healthy:          

Cover your coughs and sneezes          

Wash your hands frequently          

Minimize contact with your pets until 24 hours after your fever is gone

What should I do if I suspect my pet has 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
If members of your household have flu-like symptoms, and your pet exhibits respiratory illness, contact your veterinarian.

Is there a vaccine available for my pet?
Currently, there is not a licensed and approved 2009 H1N1 vaccine for companion animals. (There is a canine influenza vaccine, which protects dogs from the H3N8 canine flu virus, but it will not protect pets against the 2009 H1N1 virus and should not be used in any species other than dogs.)

How serious is this disease in companion animals?
Pet ferrets with naturally occurring 2009 H1N1 infection have exhibited illness similar in severity as seen with ferrets exposed to seasonal influenza viruses and 2009 H1N1 virus in laboratory settings, including sneezing, inactivity, and weight loss. The single confirmed cat exhibited respiratory illness and recovered with supportive care.

Additional Information
American Veterinary Medical Association
United States Department of Agriculture

Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to 2009 H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.

AND MORE INFO FOR US HUMANS:

CDC and WHO are now recommending that social distancing be broadened from 6 feet apart to 10 feet apart. This change is due to how highly contagious H1N1 is proving to be and how far it blasts through the air when someone sneezes or coughs.

We've had good reports from those of you taking FSBS Plus. Some are saying that everyone in their family has gotten sick and they are the only one who didn't get sick. (Apparently, many family members have stopped accusing the FSBS Plus person of being crazy and are now considering taking FSBS Plus themselves.) Other folks are telling us that they got sick but the H1N1 virus moved through them easily and quickly. Part of what FSBS Plus is designed to do is to prepare the body to identify this new virus and process it through the body efficiently.

Where we're seeing people have trouble is when they are not taking FSBS Plus twice daily on a consistent basis. The FSBS Plus dosage is not up for debate. For best results take the ten drops twice daily.

Even if you have come down with H1N1, continue to take FSBS Plus all the time you are sick and for the rest of the pandemic. We are only going through the second wave of the pandemic. There will probably be a third wave next fall/winter. It's the way pandemics work. The H1N1 virus is stable right now and doesn't show signs of mutating. However, this could change any minute. It's the way viruses work. And if you have not been taking FSBS Plus and you came down with Swine Flu, it is not too late to start on FSBS Plus to better prepare your body for whatever the rest of this pandemic has in store for us.

Let's all be smart out there!

Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this paper
is complete and accurate. However, neither the publisher nor the author are engaged
in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas,
procedures and suggestions contained in this paper are not intended as a substitute
for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical
supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for
any loss, injury or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this
paper. The opinions expressed in this paper represent the personal views of the author.