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Living with pets can provide numerous benefits such as uplifting our moods, reducing stress, and preventing depression. Regular activities like walks and games also help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and cholesterol. However, there are also certain risks that come with living with cats and dogs.
Just like humans, animals can get sick too. Some diseases, known as zoonoses, can be transmitted from pets to their owners, putting pet owners at a higher risk of contracting certain infections.
Zoonotic diseases can be spread through direct contact, like petting, biting, or scratching, or indirect contact, such as through feces or water. While anyone can get infected by a pet, people who are pregnant, under the age of five, over the age of 65, or have a weakened immune system are at a higher risk. It is especially important for these vulnerable groups to take extra precautions when interacting with pets.
According to the World Health Organization, there are over 200 zoonoses in the world that can be carried by wild, farm, and domestic animals. In this article, we will focus on nine of the most common diseases that can be contracted from cats and dogs.
This article will provide in-depth information about the following zoonotic diseases that can be contracted from cats and dogs:
- Rabies
- The cat scratch disease
- Campylobacteriosis
- Leptospirosis
- Giardiasis
- Salmonellosis
- Dermatophytosis
- Toxocariasis
- Toxoplasmosis
Rabies
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans become infected by dogs in 99% of cases. The cause of rabies is the transmission of the virus through animal saliva. Humans can become infected with rabies when bitten by a sick animal, or if saliva from a sick animal comes into contact with scratches or mucous membranes such as the nose, eyes, or mouth.
Understanding Rabies: Signs of Illness in Animals
Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. In 99% of cases, humans become infected by dogs, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus is transmitted through animal saliva, and people can become infected when bitten by a sick animal or if saliva gets into scratches, on the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth.
The rabies virus enters the nerves and then reaches the brain. The virus takes 3-6 weeks to reach the brain, and during this time, infected animals are no different from healthy ones. However, a person can contract rabies from an animal even before symptoms appear if they are bitten 2-5 days before clinical signs appear.
Once the virus has reached the brain, it changes the behavior of the animal. Friendly and accommodating pets can become aggressive and bite their owners, while outgoing pets can become timid and avoid people. Gradually, dogs develop difficulty swallowing, which causes their voices to become hoarse, they refuse food and water, and some become paralyzed. The animal dies approximately 10 days after exhibiting its first symptoms.
Although not all rabies-infected pets become aggressive, their saliva is extremely dangerous. Unlike the stereotypes, abundant salivation in an animal does not begin immediately but rather only during the final stage of the disease, three to five days before death. If your pet refuses food and water and behaves strangely, such as eating inedible objects, you should isolate it from other family members and call your veterinarian immediately.
Why can’t you sleep in the same room as a bat
The only animal that can carry the rabies virus for a long time without dying from it is a bat. Their bites are often painless and can be virtually undetectable. Therefore, if a bat has entered the room with a sleeping person and spent the night with them, it must be captured and submitted to the laboratory for testing for the rabies virus, and the person who woke up must necessarily receive preventive vaccinations.
The Dangerous Consequences of Rabies in Humans
Between a bite from a potentially infected animal and the onset of symptoms, it can take anywhere from one to three months. Just like in animals, the virus travels along the nerves to the brain in the human body.
Some individuals, particularly those bitten on the face or hands, may experience symptoms in less than a week. This is because the virus can reach the brain more quickly in the soft tissues of the face and hands due to the high concentration of nerves.
Those who don’t receive a vaccine immediately after a potential exposure are at risk of developing rabies. The early symptoms may mimic a cold or flu, with a fever of 37-37.5 degrees Celsius, fatigue, headaches, nausea, muscle and throat pain, and feelings of anxiety and fear. Additionally, the bite site may cause pain. This stage can last between two and ten days.
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms begin to appear. Approximately 80% of infected individuals will experience excessive saliva and tears, a fever over 38°C, profuse sweating, and an inability to drink. Muscle spasms, head tilting, and other paroxysms can occur, causing damage to furniture or injury to self or others. During this stage, the infected person may be contagious and pose a threat to others, so isolation is necessary. The individual may fall into a coma and eventually pass away from a heart attack or respiratory arrest several days later.
Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. There have only been 29 reported survivors of rabies, with only one well-documented recovery – a 15-year-old American girl named Jeanna Giese who was treated with an experimental coma and large amounts of antiviral drugs, known as the Milwaukee Protocol. Even the doctors who saved her life believe they were lucky in many ways.
Protect Your Loved Ones from Rabies
To protect your furry friend and loved ones, it’s crucial to have your pet vaccinated against rabies once a year. Regular vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of this deadly virus and ensure the safety of your family and pet.
Protecting Yourself: A Guide to Rabies Prevention
It is recommended to receive preventive vaccinations after a potential exposure to risk. Vaccinations can be administered to individuals of all ages, with no restrictions, including pregnant women and newborns. Those who frequently work with animals, such as volunteers at animal shelters or travelers visiting countries with high rates of rabies, should also consider getting routine vaccinations. A list of countries with a higher risk of rabies can be found on the UK government website. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, in 2019, cases of rabies were reported in European tourists traveling to Tanzania, India, Morocco, and the Philippines.
A routine vaccination against rabies involves three injections administered over a period of one month. The first vaccination offers protection for one year, after which a booster shot is necessary. Subsequently, re-vaccination every three years with one injection is sufficient. If an individual has received the rabies vaccination within the past 12 months and has since had a potential exposure to risk, they will receive three additional doses of the vaccine. If it has been over a year since the individual received the prophylactic course, a full course of vaccinations will be administered.
Dealing with Suspected Rabies Exposure: A Guide to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Bites or skin injuries that come into contact with the saliva of animals, whether wild or unvaccinated domestic animals roaming the streets, pose a high risk of rabies transmission. In such cases, immediate post-exposure prophylaxis should be initiated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that the extent of post-exposure prophylaxis depends on the individual’s specific circumstances.
Identifying the Risk of Exposure and Indications for Rabies Prophylaxis
| Contact Type | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Petted or fed an animal and it licked your hand | Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. No additional prophylaxis is needed. |
| Animal slightly bit or scratched your skin | Wash the wound and get vaccinated against rabies at the nearest trauma center. Do this as soon as possible, preferably on the same day but no later than the 14th day after the bite. |
| Animal bit you causing bleeding one or more times, or its saliva got on a scratch, laceration, or mucous membrane | Wash the wound and immediately go to the nearest trauma center. There, you should receive an injection of anti-rabies immunoglobulin — a rabies medication — and get vaccinated against rabies on the same day. The immunoglobulin should be administered no later than 3-7 days after the bite. |
Effective Wound Cleaning Techniques
To properly clean a wound, simply rinsing it with tap water is not sufficient. Ensure to run warm water over the wound for at least 15 minutes. Use soap or a cleanser to wash the wound, even dish soap will do the trick. Finally, treat the edges of the wound with either 70% alcohol or 5% iodine solution.
Cat scratching disease
Bartonella henselae is a bacterium commonly found in cats, with some reports suggesting that up to a third of cats carry the bacterium in their blood, claws, and teeth, with kittens being particularly susceptible. Despite being harmless to cats, humans can become infected if bitten or scratched by a feline carrying the bacterium.
Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease
Within 3-10 days after a scratch or bite has healed, a red nodule called a papule appears on the skin. The papule then transforms into a vesicle, which opens to form an ulcer. The sore can linger on the skin for up to three weeks.
Approximately one to two weeks after the appearance of the papule, the affected person’s nearest lymph node swells and becomes painful. For example, if the scratch was on the arm, the lymph node in the armpit will swell; if the leg was scratched, it will be in the groin. The swollen lymph node can range from 1 to 10 cm in size and last up to four months.
During this stage of the disease, individuals may experience weakness, headaches, and elevated temperatures above 38°C.
Preventing Bartonella Infection: Essential Steps for Defense
As there are no available vaccines for humans and cats against Bartonella, it is important to take necessary measures to prevent infection. One effective method is to clean a scratch or bite immediately with a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution and further disinfect the area with 70% alcohol hand sanitizer or iodine solution.
Managing Suspected Bartonella Infection
In most cases, the disease caused by Bartonella henselae bacterium will resolve on its own within 1 to 4 months with no long-lasting effects on health. However, in some instances, complications may arise such as a festering swollen lymph node or bacterial infection. To address this, it is advisable to seek medical attention from an infectious disease specialist or primary care physician. For children, a pediatrician should be consulted. Early treatment with a properly selected antibiotic can reduce pain and speed up recovery, reducing the duration of the illness to just 3 weeks. To prevent infection, it is recommended to treat scratches or bites with a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution and clean the wound area with 70% alcohol hand sanitizer or iodine solution.
Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacter is a bacterium that resides in the intestines of domestic animals. Humans can become infected when they come into contact with the bacteria in feces. For instance, if a person cleans a cat’s litter box or handles dog feces on the street and fails to wash their hands, they may then touch their mouth with contaminated hands, ingesting tiny particles of feces carrying the bacteria. In some cases, humans can get infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces.
Signs of Illness in Pets
Typically, dogs and cats over the age of 6 months carry the bacteria without exhibiting any symptoms. Conversely, it leads to diarrhea in puppies and kittens.
Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis: Understanding the Effects of Bacterial Infection
Once infected with Campylobacter bacteria, adults can experience symptoms such as a fever of 38°C, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms tend to last for three to seven days without treatment and result in diarrhea. Children also exhibit similar symptoms, but with the added possibility of blood in their feces and seizures.
Preventing Campylobacter Infection
To prevent infection with Campylobacter, it is crucial to practice good hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with pet feces, after using the bathroom, and before eating. There is currently no vaccination available against the bacteria.
Steps to Take When Suspecting a Disease
A week is usually enough time for both children and adults to fully recover from diarrhea without treatment. To prevent fluid and salt loss, it’s important to regularly consume food and drinks. Boiled rice, noodles, and oatmeal are good options as they are low-fat and unsweetened and generally do not cause disgust. Electrolyte-rich sports drinks and diluted natural juices can be consumed, but sugary sodas and undiluted juices should be avoided as they may worsen diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
If a pregnant woman, a child, or a person over 65 experiences symptoms of a campylobacteriosis-like illness, it’s best to call a doctor. For everyone else, seeking medical attention is recommended if any alarming symptoms occur, such as:
- Dehydration, characterized by excessive thirst and dry mouth, inability to drink, crying without tears, paleness, and heavy breathing.
- Uncontrollable vomiting.
- Presence of blood in the stool, which while not uncommon with campylobacteriosis, may also indicate more serious bowel problems such as internal bleeding.
- If diarrhea persists for longer than a week.
- Sharp abdominal pain, which may indicate acute surgical pathology such as appendicitis and requires a visit to the doctor.
Leptospirosis
The Source of Illness: Leptospira Bacteria
Leptospira bacteria infects individuals through contaminated water with animal urine. The bacteria enter the body through cuts on the hands or mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eyes. Swimming or fishing in slow-flowing contaminated waters also spreads the infection. Most people acquire the infection while caring for their pets, such as during birth, wound care, or injury treatment.
Indicators of Illness in Animals: Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis primarily affects dogs and almost never cats. While some infected dogs may show no symptoms, others may experience diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and limited mobility. These signs indicate that a dog may be ill.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis: A Hazardous Disease
Leptospirosis exhibits flu-like symptoms, which usually appear 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. The initial signs include chills, fever (reaching up to 40°C), headaches, calf and back pain, and sometimes diarrhea. This phase of the illness typically lasts a week and most people recover. However, some individuals may experience a second, more severe phase with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dry cough, joint and bone pain, jaundice, and various types of bleeding. Without treatment, the disease can lead to complications such as meningitis, kidney or liver failure, or even pulmonary hemorrhage.
Protecting Your Loved Ones: Leptospirosis Vaccination for Dogs
Protect your dogs from leptospirosis by vaccinating them annually. To ensure optimal results, bring your dog to the vet for parasite treatment ten days prior to the vaccination. This step is important because parasites weaken the immune system, making the vaccination less effective. There are various vaccines available for dogs that protect against multiple infections.
Protecting Yourself from Leptospirosis: A Combination of Vaccination and Good Hygiene
To protect yourself from leptospirosis, get vaccinated with a single injection and repeat it annually, starting from the age of 7.
Good hygiene is also key to preventing infection. To avoid contamination from unvaccinated animals, practice handwashing with soap and running water after handling wounds and injuries or cleaning the litter box. When you have cuts or scrapes on your hands, wearing gloves before handling the litter is a smart move.
What to Do if You Suspect Leptospirosis: Seeking Medical Help
“If you experience a relapse of flu-like symptoms after recovering from an illness, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. Make sure to inform the doctor about your pet. The expert will perform the necessary tests and, if leptospirosis is diagnosed, provide the appropriate treatment. In some cases, leptospirosis may require hospitalization of the infected person.
Giardiasis
The Source of Giardiasis: Giardia Lamblia
Giardia Lamblia, a single-celled parasite, causes Giardiasis. People can get infected by coming into contact with feces containing cysts – parasites protected by a protective shell. Although cats and dogs rarely transmit Giardia infection to humans as they usually harbor species of the parasite that don’t infect people, they can still be infected by human-type Giardia. A person can become infected by handling the cat’s litter box or the dog’s feces, not washing their hands afterward, and then touching their lips and swallowing even the smallest particles of feces with cysts. Ingesting at least 10 cysts can cause a cyst infection.
Recognizing Giardiasis in Pets: Signs and Symptoms
Not all pets with Giardia exhibit symptoms, but those who do may experience vomiting and diarrhea. It’s important to keep an eye out for these signs and consult a veterinarian if they persist. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the spread of this parasitic infection.
Hidden Threat: Understanding the Symptoms of Giardiasis
Many people can be infected with Giardia lamblia, a single-celled parasite, without realizing it. Approximately half of all children and adults who contract the disease will show no symptoms. However, one to two weeks after becoming infected, the rest may experience weakness, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and in some cases, a fever of 38°C or higher.
Protect Yourself from Giardiasis
Protect yourself from giardiasis by washing your hands with soap and running water after cleaning your pet’s litter box or coming into contact with an infected animal. This includes washing your hands after petting, changing water bowls, and pouring food. Additionally, when walking your dog, make sure to properly dispose of all feces in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the spread of the infection. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for giardiasis at this time.
Handling a Suspected Giardiasis Infection
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of giardiasis, it is important to take action. In most cases, the symptoms will resolve on their own within 1-4 weeks. However, if the symptoms persist beyond a week or if the infected individual is pregnant or over 65 years of age, it is crucial to seek medical advice. A doctor can perform the necessary tests and, if necessary, provide appropriate treatment to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the infection from becoming chronic.
Salmonellosis
Salmonella bacteria easily spreads to turtles, frogs, poultry, cats, and dogs. People can become infected with the disease by coming into contact with pet feces and not washing their hands, petting an infected animal with symptoms, or even touching it. To avoid infection, it’s important to wash hands thoroughly after handling pets and their waste.
Signs of Illness in Pets
Many infected animals show no signs of illness, but some may start vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, sometimes with blood. This could be a sign of illness and it’s important to monitor your pet’s health and seek veterinary care if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis in Humans
Salmonellosis can cause a range of symptoms, but some people may get infected without showing any symptoms. 8-72 hours after infection, others may experience symptoms similar to other gastrointestinal infections. These symptoms can include fever of 38°C or higher, weakness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the diarrhea can be frothy and green due to food moving too quickly through the large intestine. The fever usually resolves within 48-72 hours, and the diarrhea typically improves within 4-10 days.
Protecting Yourself from Salmonellosis
No vaccines exist to protect against salmonellosis in animals or humans. However, you can defend yourself by practicing good hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling feces or dog treats, such as chewing bones, which can also be contaminated with salmonella. If you’re caring for a pet with diarrhea, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with the pet, its bedding, bowls, and food. Taking these precautions will help you stay safe from salmonella infection.
Here are the steps you should take if you suspect a disease. In most cases, people recover without treatment in about a week. To cure the disease more easily, act in the same way that you would for campylobacteriosis: eat and drink and watch for symptoms. A pregnant woman, child, or person over 65 should see a doctor if they develop worrying symptoms.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Salmonellosis
If you suspect that you have salmonellosis, there are some steps you can take to help your recovery. Most people recover without treatment in about a week. To ease your symptoms, you should eat and drink normally and keep an eye out for any symptoms. If you’re pregnant, a child, or over 65 and experience concerning symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Taking these actions will help you recover more easily from salmonellosis.
Dermatophytosis
Cause of Ringworm in Pets
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by pathogenic filamentous fungi from several genera known as dermatophytes. The fungus feeds on keratin, the protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. The infection can be easily spread by touching infected dogs or cats, such as petting them without washing your hands afterwards. You can also get infected by coming into contact with your pet’s bedding, toys, and other belongings.
Signs of Ringworm in Pets
Ringworm can be difficult to detect in adult animals, especially in long-haired cats. However, it is more noticeable in puppies and kittens, where it appears as bald patches surrounded by irregularly shaped scales. When the affected area itches, the animal will scratch it, causing it to turn red and form scabs.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Humans
Ringworm in humans can present differently, but it typically manifests as circular, itching red patches of dry, scaly skin. The rash may spread or multiple patches may appear. If the ringworm affects the scalp, hair loss is a common occurrence in that area.
Protecting Yourself and Your Pet from Ringworm
Vaccinate your pet once a year with the Vakderm vaccine for reliable protection. Two injections are necessary, spaced 10-14 days apart. Alternatively, vaccinate your pet with a complex veterinary vaccine containing inactivated dermatophyte fragments.
Monitor your pet’s skin condition closely and take him to the vet if you notice spots resembling ringworm. Purchase and use the prescribed anti-ringworm medication as directed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following while your pet is recovering:
Take any other animals you have to the vet, as ringworm is highly contagious. Wash your hands with soap and running water after interacting with, feeding, or petting your pet. Family members should do the same. Until your pet has fully recovered, vacuum frequently in areas where your pet spends time, such as the floor, sofa, and bedding. This will remove any skin flakes or fur that may contain fungal particles.
Preventing the Spread of Infections
If you suspect that you may have a skin infection, it is important to take action right away. The earlier you seek treatment, the easier it will be to heal. Visit a dermatologist for a thorough examination as soon as possible.
Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you. This could include antifungal ointments, systemic medications, or even antifungal shampoo for infections on the scalp.
It is also important to be mindful of the potential spread of the infection to others. Skin infections, including ringworm, can be contracted from both animals and humans and can remain contagious even after symptoms have disappeared. To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands frequently and practice good hygiene, and follow any additional recommendations provided by your doctor.
Toxocariasis
The Origin of the Disease: Toxocara Parasitic Intestinal Worms.
Toxocara worms are similar to roundworms and are often referred to as “worms”. However, they prefer animals over humans as hosts.
Despite not being meant to live in humans, humans can become infected if they ingest Toxocara eggs, which can happen through direct contact with animal feces. This can occur when handling dog feces during a walk, cleaning a cat’s litter box, or playing in sandboxes or playgrounds contaminated with animal feces. It is important to always wash your hands after any potential exposure to animal feces.
Children playing outside are especially susceptible to infection with Toxocara as the eggs can remain infectious for several months during the summer. To avoid infection, it is crucial to keep hands clean and to avoid direct contact with contaminated areas.
Recognizing Symptoms of Toxocariasis in Pets
Cats and dogs with toxocariasis may not show any visible signs of illness, but others may experience an enlarged belly, weight loss, sickness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be vigilant for any changes in your pet’s health and seek veterinary care if you suspect they may have contracted this parasite.
Recognizing Toxocara Symptoms
Toxocara larvae may inhabit the human body for up to 7 years without causing any noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, the larvae may penetrate the intestinal wall and spread to other organs.
Typically, the larvae migrate to the liver or lungs, leading to symptoms such as increased body temperature, irritability, fatigue, skin rashes, and a persistent cough. In rare cases, larvae may travel to the eyes, causing blindness. A study by American researchers in Alabama found that the incidence of ocular toxocariasis is 6.6 cases per 100,000 healthy individuals.
Protection Measures against Toxocariasis – Taking Precautions for Your Health
Prevent Toxocariasis by Regular Deworming of Your Pets. Consult with your veterinarian about the frequency and appropriate drugs to use for deworming, considering the age of your animal.
Practice Good Hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after walking in the street, before eating, cleaning the litter box, and handling dog feces. Make sure to remove dog feces promptly, as eggs from them can cause illness when left in public places such as sandboxes.
Cats are less likely to spread Toxocara, so their feces are considered less hazardous and do not require as much monitoring as that of dogs.
Dealing with Suspected Toxocariasis
It can be challenging to differentiate the symptoms of toxocariasis from other infections. If you experience persistent hives, coughing, or cold-like symptoms for more than a week, make an appointment to see a doctor.
Toxoplasmosis
The Origin of Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, reproduces sexually only in felines. People can become infected by swallowing oocysts, which are hard-coated germ cells, and eating undercooked meat. Additionally, infection can spread through contact with infected cat feces, such as through sand or soil or a tray that has not been removed for 3-7 days.
Recognizing Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Understanding the Symptoms and Effects
Domestic cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii may show symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, and inflamed eyes. However, adult cats infected with the parasite usually appear healthy due to their evolution with the parasite.
It’s important to note that cats only shed Toxoplasma oocysts once in their lifetime, which lasts for no more than two weeks after the initial infection. This means that even if a cat was infected with toxoplasmosis months or years prior, it does not excrete the oocysts in its feces and therefore does not pose a threat to humans.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis
Disease symptoms: Most healthy non-pregnant adults are infected without showing any symptoms. Some people, however, develop cold-like symptoms after infection, which usually go away in two to three days without treatment. These symptoms include fevers of 37-38°C, chills, and sweating. Approximately 20-30% of people also experience slightly enlarged lymph nodes, which can persist for 2-3 weeks.
Toxoplasmosis is Dangerous for People at High Risk: Patients with immunocompromised states, including recent organ transplant recipients, older adults, children, people with HIV, infants, and unborn children are at risk for Toxoplasmosis. In those at risk, Toxoplasmosis can lead to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
How to Protect Yourself from Toxoplasmosis.
To prevent infection from a house cat, clean up the litter box promptly after use. It takes 1-5 days for oocysts to become infectious, so flushing feces down the toilet will prevent exposure. Pregnant women are advised to have someone else clean the litter box for them.
If the cat only eats dry or canned food and doesn’t go outside, its feces are not dangerous. Cats can only become infected with toxoplasmosis by eating infected mice.
Remember to wash your hands after spending time outdoors to avoid contamination from soil or sand, which may contain cat feces.
Handling Suspected Toxoplasmosis: When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience persistent fever and discomfort for more than a week, it’s time to see a doctor. This could be a sign of Toxoplasmosis, which usually resolves without treatment before a person seeks medical attention. However, seeking early treatment is important if you are at a higher risk, such as being immunocompromised, pregnant, or an infant.
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