People with cystic fibrosis are vulnerable to germs that can cause serious infections. These infections are often difficult to treat with antibiotics so it is important to keep these ‘bugs’ from spreading. Germs are everywhere and cannot be avoided, but there are effective ways to lessen risks.
Read Infection Control and Cystic Fibrosis
(979.6 KB)to learn more about preventing the spread of germs.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Infection Control Policy
Adults and children with cystic fibrosis should be aware that Burkholderia cepacia complex, MRSA or other potentially harmful bacteria can be passed between persons with CF by talking, shaking hands, touching contaminated items, coughing or sneezing. As a result, some individuals with CF can experience a serious decline in health if they become infected with certain harmful bacteria.
The possibility of cross-infection between CF individuals observing proper infection control measures may be very low; nonetheless it is the policy of Cystic Fibrosis Canada that persons with CF who have tested positive in the last 12 months for B. cepacia complex and/or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) should not attend, in person, any Cystic Fibrosis Canada-sponsored meeting and event where persons with CF may be in attendance. Individuals without CF, who are colonized with MRSA in the nasal cavity or on the skin, but who are not actively sick may attend.
Furthermore, persons with CF should not attend Cystic Fibrosis Canada-sponsored meetings and events held indoors since the risk of close or prolonged contact between persons with CF is increased. Participation is encouraged through alternative methods, such as teleconferencing, webconferencing, or other remote applications.
If individuals with CF attend meetings or events hosted by Cystic Fibrosis Canada, despite this policy or without knowing that they have B. cepacia complex, MRSA or other potentially harmful or transmissible bacteria, then they do so at his or her own risk; there is always risk associated with in-person contact, and discretion must be exercised. Cystic Fibrosis Canada accepts no responsibility for any risk to health involved in attendance, or in any social contact between persons with CF. Please contact your CF Clinic or Cystic Fibrosis Canada for further information.
Approved June 2011
