Over twenty five years of research has led to an increased understanding of germs in CF, how germs are spread, and the relationship between germs and lung health in CF.
Germs in CF can spread several ways:
- Direct contact with infected secretions: Person to person from kissing, touching, patient care, shaking hands.
- Indirect contact with infected secretions: Contact with an object like eating utensils, drinking glass, respiratory equipment and toys.
- Droplets of infected secretions: Droplets travel short distances within 3 feet and germs within droplets can live for hours on surfaces.
What can be done to better control infection?
- Respiratory cultures on a regular basis to watch for the presence of germs.
- Promotion of the Three Foot Rule, this means keep a three foot distance from others with CF to minimize sharing of secretions.
- Know your/your child’s culture results.
- Bring your own books and/or toys to clinic day.
- Get your/your child’s influenza vaccine every year.
- Pay attention to hand hygiene (cleaning hands) and always carry alcohol based hand sanitizers and tissues with you.
To help with the education process for your family and others (grandparents, teachers, baby sitters) we have provided additional educational information. As you will notice in clinic, all of our Riley Hospital for Children Cystic Fibrosis Center at Indiana University Health team members wear gowns and gloves. This measure is to protect you/your child from indirect contact with secretions. Rooms are also cleaned between each patient, including all chairs, tables, and desks. We will keep this page updated with the most recent information related to infection control.