Ask the doctor: Can people get diseases from animals?
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Have a medical-related question you’ve always wanted answered? The doctors at Madison Health are here to help! Email your ‘Ask the Doctor’ questions to news@eastidahonews.com and they might end up in our weekly column.
Question: Can people get diseases from animals?
Answer: Yes, some infectious diseases can be given to people by animals. These include certain strains of the flu, salmonella poisoning, the plague, rabies, Lyme disease, brucellosis, and many others.
How to keep yourself safe? Wash your hands with soap after being around an animal, even if you didn’t touch it. Protect yourself from mosquito and tick bites. Avoid bites and scratches from animals. And don’t touch animals that you don’t know, even if they appear to be tame.
This column does not establish a provider/patient relationship and is for general informational purposes only. This column is not a substitute for consulting with a physician or other health care provider.
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