Very sick (possibly the flu) and living with an FIV+ kitty. Is he at risk?

I know that the vast majority of viruses can't cross the species barrier from humans to cats, but I know that there are some that can. From 20 minutes of research I've found that the flu virus can in some rare cases be transmitted to cats. Mr. Meowgi is about 3 yrs old and FIV+ and can't stop cuddling me and trying to cheer me up. Should I allow myself to continue being loved, or should I shoo him away and minimize contact for a few days? 

I would like to see that website where you got your information from

I wouldn't worry about transmitting it to your cat.  Instead, focus on getting yourself feeling better.

mwallace056 said:

I would like to see that website where you got your information from

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There have been several reports of this, including:
Pets May Get the Flu More Often than Thought
Can you really give your dog or cat the flu?

According to this, you should probably be careful about contact with him:
Can My Pet Get the Flu?

Routine precautions like one takes with their kids--a lot of hand washing, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and no snuggling with the pets when you are ill.

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It does appear that there have been 13 cases confirmed of a cat catching H1N1 flu from their human.

So despite how rare it is, technically it can happen.

Even if it can happen, you're usually contagous before you know your sick and at least the first 48-36 hours after symptoms start, chances are he's already been exposed anyways. I honestly wouldn't worry about it.

sterfri99 said:

I know that the vast majority of viruses can't cross the species barrier from humans to cats, but I know that there are some that can. From 20 minutes of research I've found that the flu virus can in some rare cases be transmitted to cats. Mr. Meowgi is about 3 yrs old and FIV+ and can't stop cuddling me and trying to cheer me up. Should I allow myself to continue being loved, or should I shoo him away and minimize contact for a few days? 

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You sound like me. I had just started treatment for Lyme Disease when we took our FIV+ boy to the vet. He was a feral rescue, and I completely forget he doesn't like hands. Normally on the drive, I put my hand through the grate so I can stroke the cheek of the kitty in the crate. Well, that resulted in a chomp to the finger, and I started worrying about Chumley getting Lyme from me - but forgot to ask the vet while we were there. Given how he's been the past five years since then, I don't think he contracted Lyme from me.

Even though it's possible, it is improbable. I don't limit my interaction with our FIV+ boy when I'm sick with a cold. :rub: