Germs Can Be Spread Through Contact

Germs can spread from one person to another through direct contact when people shake hands, hug, or kiss. Germs can also spread through indirect contact if people touch something with germs already on it, like a doorknob, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. People can also spread germs by sharing things like cups or pens.

Germs Can Be Spread in the Air

Droplets containing germs are released into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. These tiny droplets can travel as far as 6 feet and can spread germs by landing on surfaces or in another person's eyes, nose, or mouth.

In rare instances, remains of these small droplets can be suspended in the air for hours and may be carried by air currents farther away than larger droplets. Other people can breathe in these droplets.

At a CF care center, the team works to prevent the spread of dangerous germs between people with CF by taking infection prevention and control measures. These include frequent cleaning of hands, wearing gowns and gloves, and helping people with CF keep a safe 6-foot distance from each other when they visit the care center and when they are admitted to the hospital.