Published on the Armenian Medical Network are some tips for people who have deficient immune systems (Immunocompromised people), such as folks with AIDS, transplant patients, diabetics, etc., and who chose to keep their pets.

People with deficient immune systems are generally discouraged from keeping pets, so as to reduce the risk of catching an infection. But many people refuse to part with their animal companions.

The tips are designed to help people reduce the chances that they will catch an infection from their pets. Most of the tips, however, are the same tips we often see in many other "list of tips" for a wide variety purposes (always spay & neuter, visit the veterinarian regularly, etc.). But there are some other interesting ones:

Feed your pet only commercially prepared food and treats. Animals can contract zoonotic infections from undercooked or raw meat or eggs. Also, do not let your pet drink from the toilet because several zoonotic infections can be contracted this way. Cats can contract infections (such as toxoplasmosis) by eating wild animals.

Keep your pet's nails short or declaw the animal to reduce the risk of infection caused by animal scratches. Cats are capable of transmitting B. henselae, the organism responsible for cat scratch disease.

To see the whole list of tips, visit the Armenian Medical Network.