Can cat flu infect humans?

Cat flu cannot infect humans. Due to cats' unique physiological habits, the disease is only transmitted among feline animals. There have been no related cases of cat flu infecting humans or other animals thus far, so it is unlikely for cat owners to catch it. The pathogen of cat flu is feline herpesvirus 1, also known as infectious rhinotracheitis, an acute infectious disease with strong infectivity in the upper respiratory tract of cats.

Causes of rhinotracheitis

Rhinotracheitis is a cat upper respiratory disease caused by feline herpesvirus 1, primarily infecting kittens with a mortality rate of 50%. The virus is mainly secreted from the eyes, nose, and pharynx of infected cats, spreading through contact or droplets. Once cats carrying the virus develop other diseases or their resistance decreases, the virus is likely to invade the body and cause illness.

Late symptoms of rhinotracheitis

Symptoms include conjunctivitis, eye discharge, sneezing, rhinorrhea, drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and coughing. These symptoms may last for days or weeks, with an average duration of about 3 weeks. Clinical symptoms caused by feline herpesvirus infection are usually more severe than those caused by FCV infection. In severe cases, thick secretions can block the eyes and nostrils, causing respiratory obstruction, difficulty breathing, and even open-mouth breathing.

Treatment for rhinotracheitis

For mild rhinotracheitis, administer lysine A to suppress the virus and give cats some licorice syrup to cough. Lysine contains high-purity L-lysine, which can effectively inhibit virus synthesis. For severe rhinotracheitis, use antiviral drugs along with lysine B (therapeutic) to treat the virus. Don't forget to use eye drops to treat conjunctivitis or corneal inflammation caused by the virus.