As the most recent wave of respiratory disease sweeps through the Fairfield Veterinary Centre and leaves my staff "sniffing and snorting" in their handkerchiefs it is worth considering the far more serious condition of "viral influenza" or "flu".

Unlike the "common cold" the flu virus is an extremely dangerous pathogen and is reponsible for a considerable number of human patients suffering from debilitating disease and even death! It is estimated that around 4000 people in the UK die each year as a result of the flu virus. This figure rose to around 23,000 in 1989 when there was a major outbreak.

Due to the difficulty in treating viral infections the emphasis is towards stimulating the body's own immune system through vaccination. This preventative treatment allows the body to respond to infection throught the rapid production of antibodies.

Keen to protect her new kittens, Minty and Rosie, against the feline forms of flu viruses she presented them for a health check and vaccination at the earliest opportunity, 9 weeks of age. This is a concept with which she has personal experience attending her own GP for flu vaccination for herself for the last 20 years! We hope that her kittens will be able to testify to the value and protection that vaccination can provide in another 20 years!

Minty and Rosie have also cause to be grateful for their owner's financial astuteness. In current difficult times, Mrs Sharpe has made regular monthly payments into a building society (not Icelandic!) for her cats. This will at least provide some cover for her pets healthcare; an option well worth considering in the times ahead!

Terry Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS

Back to "Interesting Cases"

If you wish to print or save this page it is available in PDF format here