The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Infection Prevention and Control Policy is focused on protecting and maintaining the health of people with CF at all Foundation events, meetings and offices.
Cystic fibrosis puts the airways at risk for lung infections. There are proven ways to lessen the risk of getting or spreading germs. One way is to limit contact with known germ sources.
Although germs are everywhere and cannot be avoided, one of the best ways to keep from getting or spreading germs is by cleaning your hands — either with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand gel. You also should cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw it away and clean your hands.
Everyone with a cold or other illness that can spread germs should avoid unnecessary contact with people with CF until the infection has gone away.
Medical evidence shows that all people with CF could have germs in their lungs and sinuses that might be spread to others with CF. The Foundation’s infection prevention and control policy includes practices and activities to promote safety and reduce the risk of cross-infection among people with CF. This policy reflects the advice of leading CF medical experts and published medical research.
Besides cleaning your hands and covering your cough, the key elements of the Foundation’s policy are:
- At any CF Foundation-sponsored indoor event, meeting or office, including gatherings such as Foundation chapter committee meetings, only one person with CF may be present. This person will be designated by the Foundation in close consultation with event chairs and key event volunteers.
- At Foundation-sponsored outdoor events or gatherings, people with CF need to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from each other.
- Under no circumstances shall individuals who have ever had a confirmed positive sputum culture for Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) complex attend any Foundation events, meetings or offices.
Read the full CF Foundation Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
Read FAQs about the Foundation’s Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
Updated 03/29/2013
