How Can You Reduce the Risk of Cross-infection?

Medical studies show that people with CF are at particular risk of spreading certain germs among others with the disease. This is known as cross-infection.

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Summary

People with CF are at particular risk of spreading certain germs among others with the disease, known as cross-infection.
To reduce the risk of spreading or getting germs, it is recommended that people who have CF keep at least 6 feet away from others with CF and from people who are sick.
It is also recommended that people with CF who do not live together avoid activities that put them in close physical contact with others with CF.

To reduce the risk of spreading or getting germs, it is recommended that people who have CF keep at least 6 feet away from others with CF and from people who are sick.

It is also recommended that people with CF who do not live together avoid activities that put them in close physical contact with others with CF, including:

Shaking hands, hugging, or kissing
Sharing common objects like pens, toys, and computers
Being together in enclosed or poorly ventilated places like cars

When People With CF Live Together

People with CF who live together can get germs from each other. To decrease the spread of germs, they should limit contact with each other's mucous membranes, sputum, or phlegm.

People with CF should never share:

Respiratory equipment
Airway clearance devices
Toothbrushes
Eating utensils or drinking cups
Anything that has been in contact with mucous membranes, sputum, or phlegm

When a person coughs, germs can spread 6 feet or more. Doing airway clearance at different times and in different rooms can help decrease the spread of germs.

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Germs