Germs can spread as far as 6 feet when someone coughs or sneezes, landing on surfaces or in another person's eyes, nose, or mouth. That's why it's important for people with CF to stay at least 6 feet away from others with CF and anyone with a cold, flu, or infection.
"This distance is specific for a reason—it is the distance germs can spread when a person coughs or sneezes," said Saulitis. "There are some germs and bacteria that are considered especially dangerous for people with CF to spread to one another—maintaining a six-foot distance can help to reduce that risk."
Take one long step away from someone who is sick. That's usually equal to about 6 feet. Cystic fibrosis patients should not be in the same space as each other. People with CF get infections that people without CF do not catch, and they're especially likely to transmit those germs to others with the disease.
You need to take special precautions if there is more than one person with cystic fibrosis at the same school. Precautions you can take include making sure two or more people with CF spends too much time in one place, maintain a 6-foot distance, cover coughs, and getting vaccinated.
All patients with CF should observe the “6-foot rule.” This means that people with CF should remain separated from each other by at least 6 feet of distance in all settings. Those who live with CF patients should also remain 6 feet from anyone with any type of respiratory infection.
That's why it's important for people with CF to stay at least 6 feet away from others with CF and anyone with a cold, flu, or infection. For people with CF, being close to others with the disease puts them at greater risk of getting and spreading dangerous germs and bacteria. This is called cross‐infection.
Avoid activities that put you near other people with CF, to lower the risk of spreading sickness. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. Clean and disinfect your medical equipment properly. Don't share items that come into contact with saliva (straws or utensils) with other people -- even family.
Help with carer support
Eligibility: People who care for a child aged under 16 who has a disability or serious illness and lives with you (CF is on the Australian Government's List of Recognised Disabilities).
Just three decades ago, the average person with cystic fibrosis would live only to the age of 30, but now 50 years is typical, and some patients with CF live into their 80s. This means they live long enough for other health concerns to surface.
Most people with CF are diagnosed by age 2. Most people who have CF can have a healthy pregnancy. But CF can cause complications before and during pregnancy.
If you are considering whether to date someone with CF or another chronic illness, my best advice is to be fearless and take a chance. However, if you are seeing someone and you are not sure whether you should tell them that you have a chronic illness, ask yourself: Do you see a future with this someone?
At 86, Marlene Pryson may be one of the oldest individuals living with cystic fibrosis. During her long life, she has dedicated many years of service to helping CF families as a CF clinic coordinator and family liaison.
Testing immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) is the first step in cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening. While high IRT is associated with CF, some cases are missed.
The disease occurs mostly in whites whose ancestors came from northern Europe, although it affects all races and ethnic groups. Accordingly, it is less common in African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.
People who have cystic fibrosis make thick, sticky mucus that can build up and lead to blockages, damage, or infections in the affected organs. Inflammation also causes damage to organs such as the lungs and pancreas.
“What we do know is that those with CF are more at risk to have severe COVID-19 because of their underlying lung disease.” The best prevention we have against severe disease from COVID-19 is vaccination, and we strongly encourage all those who are eligible to get vaccinated and boosted.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common serious genetic condition in Australia, affecting one in every 2500 babies. Boys and girls are affected equally. In people with CF, the mucus secretions produced by various glands in the body are thicker and stickier than normal.
For adults and children with cystic fibrosis, it's best to avoid refined and processed foods such as red meat, fries, doughnuts, coffee, and alcohol. Consuming food items with empty calories like sugary drinks is not suggested.
Possible Complications of Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Respiratory diseases are the most common and include damaged airways (bronchiectasis), chronic infections, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), coughing up blood (hemoptysis), pneumothorax, and respiratory failure.
Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death. Acute exacerbations. People with cystic fibrosis may experience worsening of their respiratory symptoms, such as coughing with more mucus and shortness of breath. This is called an acute exacerbation and requires treatment with antibiotics.
Regular physical activity and good nutrition are important — especially when you have cystic fibrosis. By eating a high-calorie, high-fat diet,taking vitamins and mineral supplements, and staying fit, you can more effectively manage your CF and stay healthy.
The greatest risk factor for cystic fibrosis is a family history of the disease, especially if either parent is a known carrier. The gene that causes cystic fibrosis is recessive. This means that in order to have cystic fibrosis, children must inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent.