The Danger of Cross Infections for Those Living With Cystic Fibrosis

This video from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in the U.K. discusses the dangers of cross-infection for cystic fibrosis patients. Cross infection is when two people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) meet and pass infections from one to another.

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People with CF are susceptible to infections and bugs which live in the lungs. Because no two patients are exactly the same, they will be more likely to develop some infections over others. Two cystic fibrosis patients meeting each other in person will increase the risk of each one developing infections from the different bugs in each other’s lungs.

The infections can be passed either directly through touching or kissing, or indirectly through touching shared objects or surfaces (like door handles, pens, counters, etc.) and not washing their hands afterwards.

There are two infections which are particularly dangerous for CF patients — pseudomonas aeruginosas and burkholderia cepacia complex (or B. cepacia complex) — which can both be resistant to antibiotics.

MORE: Gunnar Esiason talks about the risk of cross-infection between CF patients

Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.