In the hospital

What does your healthcare team do to prevent and control infection when you are admitted into the hospital?

• At the time of your admission or up to seven days before admission, your sputum culture is checked for bacterial growth. All individuals with CF patients admitted to the hospital are placed in droplet-contact isolation until the results of the respiratory culture are final. The final report on your culture can take up to seven days.
• Droplet-contact isolation means that we are taking precautions against the possible spread of germs from your secretions (droplets) and your surroundings (contact).
• All healthcare providers who enter your isolation room must wear a clean gown, gloves and a mask. This protection works both ways; it protects you from germs coming in and protects others from germs going out.
• If your sputum culture is not growing germs, then the droplet-contact isolation will not be necessary. However, some individuals who harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria will remain in droplet-contact isolation for the entire hospital stay.
• Everyone is required to wash their hands before entering and leaving your room, including you and any visitors.

What can you do to prevent and control infection while you are in the hospital?

• Do not enter other patient rooms, especially a person with CF.
• Practice the three-foot rule when near any patient.
• Wear a mask when you leave your room, and change it when it becomes moist.
• Do not hang out around the nurses' stations or use the staff computers.
• Wash your hands often. Always wash your hands before you eat, after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose (after your airway clearance therapy!), after you use the bathroom and before you leave your hospital room.
• If you are not sure that a healthcare provider who has entered your room has washed their hands, ask them! This way you can be reassured that all precautions are being followed.

Remember: The hospital policy for infection prevention and control for patients with cystic fibrosis may seem strict and difficult at first, but it is for your protection and safety.