In public

What can you do to prevent and control the spread of germs in public?

• Wash your hands well and often. Carry alcohol hand sanitizers with you.
• Cough, sneeze and blow your nose into tissue and dispose of the tissue properly; then wash your hands.
• Maintain a distance of at least three feet from others with CF or other people who appear to have an active infection, like a common cold.
• Avoid prolonged contact with others with CF in an enclosed space, such as a long car ride or at a meeting in a small room.
• People with CF who have an infection with Burkholderia cepacia should not attend CF events such as Great Strides or Family Education Days because of the serious health risk to others with CF if this germ were to spread.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Get all of your vaccinations, including the flu vaccine each year.

Remember: Every person benefits from understanding how germs spread. Although it is important to practice ways to avoid “catching” germs, it is impossible to have complete control over your environment. Being educated about infection prevention and control practices and being reasonably cautious is the best you can do.