Specific Groups & Settings

Some people are more likely than others to get diseases from animals. A person’s age and health status may affect their immune system, increasing his or her chances of getting diseases from animals. However, immunocompromised persons and parents of young children generally do not need to give up common household pets. Certain precautions are recommended to decrease the risk of disease transmission. The links below provide some simple safety tips for protecting people who may be at increased risk for infectious diseases.