Dangers of Olbas Oil?

[SpiritBladeYT]

Hi all!

I know this isn't exactly hamster healthcare, but it's the best place for this I guess?

So, after only recently getting Monty (my first hamster) I've gotten my first terrible cold, and have a terribly runny nose. I usually use Olbas Oil on a tissue by my head, but am now worried to use it with Monty in my room.
I don't believe he is sick himself and don't want to run the risk that placing the tissue by my head, although a meter or so away from his cage, might affect him? Would just a single drop wrapped up by my head not affect him?

Hopefully I can get an answer soon!

~Spirit

[mangoandmimi]

I would move Monty into a different room while you’re ill and get someone else to feed him if you can. Definitely no handling because colds can be transferred to hamsters and it can get quite serious.
I’ve never used Olbas oil but if it’s got a strong smell I would keep it much more than a metre away. A hamster’s sense of smell is much more powerful than ours. Definitely best to move him out the room.

[SpiritBladeYT]

Originally Posted by mangoandmimi

I would move Monty into a different room while you’re ill and get someone else to feed him if you can. Definitely no handling because colds can be transferred to hamsters and it can get quite serious.
I’ve never used Olbas oil but if it’s got a strong smell I would keep it much more than a metre away. A hamster’s sense of smell is much more powerful than ours. Definitely best to move him out the room.

Yep, currently not handling or feeding and staying away from his cage as much as possible. My illness is improving now, but I'm getting my mum to handle and feed him during this time as, contrary to the initial belief of many people around me, I do know that human colds can be passed on to hamsters, which not many other people knew. I'm 100% being cautious around him until I've recovered.