Can a sick mouse get me sick?

Question
QUESTION: Hey Zoe again (:

We did try to buy some Tetracycline but it is not available here although we asked what would help and the assistant at the pet shop told us to change the bedding as they might be allergic to some dust? is that right?

Also we cleaned the cage out to see if it would make any difference and if it does not we are gunna have to consider going to the vets

<3

ANSWER: Hey Zoe I apologize for forgetting your second question! I got involved in the research for the first and totally forgot. Either aspen bedding is good or a paper product like carefresh or yesterdays news or I've found one that is crumpled tiny shredded bits of brown paper which they loved,  though I kept having to pull it out of the wheel.

Just make sure not to use any other wood chips such as cedar, because that gives them respiratory trouble.

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey :D

Aha thats fine, i really appreciate you researching (:

And i use old newspaper at the moment do you thats okay?

<3

ANSWER: Hi,

No, newspaper is not good. The ink is bad for them. It also has no odor control. Their urine is actually bad for their respiratory systems.

Squeaks,

Natasha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay well i will have to change that!

I also wondered, sorry if this is a silly question but if the infection can effect humans or mice can be affected by human infections?

<3

Answer
Dear Zoe,

A sick mouse can absolutely not get you sick. However, you can certainly get a mouse sick! The human common cold does not affect a mouse. But a human bacterial infection, such as strep throat-- but there are others-- definitely can and does (and in my own sad experience, can kill it). So when you are sick, unless it is just sniffles and sneezing, don't hold her-- or at least wash your hands, and hold her far away from your face, and don't put her on your clothing.

I had a terrible experience with a whole cage full of mice where I thought I was well after an illness but I wasn't, and I held all five at once, and a few days later they all died. I did not hold the sixth mouse, and she was fine.

Squeaks and kisses to Mousie,

Natasha