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The following questions and answers address concerns from the community about COVID-19 and school.

Influenza, or “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. For people with cystic fibrosis, getting the flu may cause a worsening of symptoms and lead to a faster decline in lung function.

Germs can spread in a number of ways, but the most common are by direct and indirect contact and through the air.

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can cause an infection on the skin and in the lungs. It is resistant to several common antibiotics. But MRSA can be treated with some antibiotics, nose drops, and other therapies.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that live in soil, swamps, and water sources.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa are strains of bacteria that are widely found in the environment. Pseudomonas is a major cause of lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The bacteria thrive in moist environments and equipment, such as humidifiers and catheters in hospital wards, and in kitchens, bathrooms, pools, hot tubs and sinks.

The faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis disrupts the normal flow of salt and water in and out of the lungs and other organs. This salt imbalance results in thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the lungs, allowing germs to thrive and multiply.

There are many things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting or spreading germs while traveling.

Regular CF care center visits are important to maintain your health. The following tips are intended to help you make informed decisions to protect yourself and others from catching and spreading germs while at a care center visit, in the hospital or in any other health care setting.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia) consists of different species of bacteria that are found in the natural environment. Some of these species pose serious risks to the health of a person with cystic fibrosis.