There Is An As Yet Unproven Connection Between Kennel Coughs And Humans
Humans and Kennel Coughs
A pet lover can become quite concerned when their much loved dog is constantly coughing and sounding strange. Coughing is an affliction that, it is thought, mainly affects humans. Respiratory infections are common to dogs and humans, and dogs can suffer from the discomfort of these infections. Health carers are concerned with the connection between kennel cough and humans. First thoughts on such infection being passed from animals to humans are confusing, but research has shown that it is a fact that cannot be ignored.
Human Bordetellosis
Human Bordetellosis affects those humans who have weak immune systems. This is not a common condition but even with its rarity, the effects that it can have cannot be brushed aside. Kennel coughs can act as a means of transmitting this illness from dogs to humans, as stated in Vetcentric.com. While those with immune systems that are below normal can be affected, it can also be contracted by pregnant women and children. The bacterium that causes this disease is called Bordetella brochiseptica. The Bordetella Pertussis Bacterium that causes whooping cough is very similar to this bacterium. There are however some researchers who believe that humans cannot contract diseases from animals and that there is no connection between kennel coughs and humans.
Kennel Cough Transmission
The main avenue for the transmission of kennel cough is believed to be the air that is common to both dogs and humans. This automatically helps those who live in areas that have good ventilation, while it is a downer for those who live in areas that are dirty and poorly ventilated. So, if you have a pet, make sure that you live in area that is clean and well ventilated. It can help if you do not interact with a dog that has this infection. Kennel cough is associated with bad colds and flu.
Prevention
Medical practitioners remain relatively unconcerned about kennel cough and humans. It is very easy to prevent, even more so than its actual treatment, once it occurs. As this illness is normally airborne, the simple act of avoiding interaction with the pet infected with kennel cough is enough to keep the infection away. Vaccination is an alternative that can be considered for the pet, if interaction with them cannot be avoided.
Treatment
While researchers continue to debate the connection between kennel cough and humans, it is a fact that people who do interact with dogs with the infection do start exhibiting the same symptoms. Treating kennel cough in humans with antibiotics has been known to be a fairly effective remedy. Cough suppressants can help to control symptoms that are relatively mild. Steroids need to be avoided, as they can weaken the immune system, and this means that their use must be discouraged.
All these facts point out to the truth, that kennel cough can lead to the health of both dogs and humans being at risk. The source of transmission of the disease is not that important, but all individuals need to make sure that they confront the illness and find ways to combat it.
A pet lover can become quite concerned when their much loved dog is constantly coughing and sounding strange. Coughing is an affliction that, it is thought, mainly affects humans. Respiratory infections are common to dogs and humans, and dogs can suffer from the discomfort of these infections. Health carers are concerned with the connection between kennel cough and humans. First thoughts on such infection being passed from animals to humans are confusing, but research has shown that it is a fact that cannot be ignored.
Human Bordetellosis
Human Bordetellosis affects those humans who have weak immune systems. This is not a common condition but even with its rarity, the effects that it can have cannot be brushed aside. Kennel coughs can act as a means of transmitting this illness from dogs to humans, as stated in Vetcentric.com. While those with immune systems that are below normal can be affected, it can also be contracted by pregnant women and children. The bacterium that causes this disease is called Bordetella brochiseptica. The Bordetella Pertussis Bacterium that causes whooping cough is very similar to this bacterium. There are however some researchers who believe that humans cannot contract diseases from animals and that there is no connection between kennel coughs and humans.
Kennel Cough Transmission
The main avenue for the transmission of kennel cough is believed to be the air that is common to both dogs and humans. This automatically helps those who live in areas that have good ventilation, while it is a downer for those who live in areas that are dirty and poorly ventilated. So, if you have a pet, make sure that you live in area that is clean and well ventilated. It can help if you do not interact with a dog that has this infection. Kennel cough is associated with bad colds and flu.
Prevention
Medical practitioners remain relatively unconcerned about kennel cough and humans. It is very easy to prevent, even more so than its actual treatment, once it occurs. As this illness is normally airborne, the simple act of avoiding interaction with the pet infected with kennel cough is enough to keep the infection away. Vaccination is an alternative that can be considered for the pet, if interaction with them cannot be avoided.
Treatment
While researchers continue to debate the connection between kennel cough and humans, it is a fact that people who do interact with dogs with the infection do start exhibiting the same symptoms. Treating kennel cough in humans with antibiotics has been known to be a fairly effective remedy. Cough suppressants can help to control symptoms that are relatively mild. Steroids need to be avoided, as they can weaken the immune system, and this means that their use must be discouraged.
All these facts point out to the truth, that kennel cough can lead to the health of both dogs and humans being at risk. The source of transmission of the disease is not that important, but all individuals need to make sure that they confront the illness and find ways to combat it.