Germs are hard to avoid. Everywhere you go, bacteria, viruses, and fungi are present. Most germs are harmless to healthy people, but they're potentially dangerous to someone with cystic fibrosis.
The sticky mucus that collects in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis is the perfect environment for germs to multiply.
People with cystic fibrosis can get sick from germs that don't usually sicken healthy people. These include:
These germs are especially risky to people who've had a lung transplant because they have to take medication that suppresses their immune system. A dampened immune system is less able to fight off infections.
Bacteria and viruses can get into the lungs of someone with cystic fibrosis and cause an infection. Some viruses can easily be transmitted to another person with cystic fibrosis, which is called cross-infection.
Cross-infection can occur when someone else with cystic fibrosis coughs or sneezes close to you. Or, you can pick up germs when you touch an item, like a doorknob, that someone with cystic fibrosis has touched.
Here are 19 tips to help reduce your risk of cross-infections when you have cystic fibrosis.
Every sneeze or cough launches germs into the air. Those germs can travel as far as 6 feet. If you're within range, they could make you sick.
As a precaution, keep at least that far away from anyone who's sick. One way to estimate the length is by taking one long stride. That's usually equivalent to 6 feet.
Try to stay away from anyone you know with your condition. People with cystic fibrosis get infections that healthy people don't catch, and they're especially likely to transmit those germs to others with the disease.
Avoiding germs and keeping good hygiene are both key to preventing infections. Follow these location-specific guidelines to stay healthy.
Although cystic fibrosis is pretty rare, it's possible for two people with the disease to attend the same school. If you or your child is in this situation, talk to school administrators about the 6-foot rule, and follow these tips:
It's hardest to avoid germs in a public place because you can't control who's around you. It's also not going to be clear who in your vicinity has cystic fibrosis or is sick. Practice these precautionary guidelines:
If you live with a family member or someone else who has cystic fibrosis, you both need to take extra precautions to avoid infection. Here are a few tips:
Having cystic fibrosis shouldn't prevent you from spending time with friends and family. But you do need to be careful about being close to other people with the disease.
Keep a safe distance from anyone you know who has cystic fibrosis or is sick. If you aren't sure what to do, contact the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or ask your doctor about cross-infection prevention.