Infection Control Policy
The health and wellbeing of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) is of paramount concern to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The purpose of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Infection Prevention and Control Policy is to minimize the exposure of people with CF to harmful bacteria at Cystic Fibrosis Canada hosted or sponsored events.
Guidelines
Guidelines have been developed to minimize the exposure of people with CF to infection and to protect their health when taking part at Cystic Fibrosis Canada events and meetings. The guidelines are to be strictly followed at events organized by Cystic Fibrosis Canada, including those of its chapters. As a matter of principle, Cystic Fibrosis Canada staff and volunteers are asked to anticipate possible situations that could bring people with CF together in close proximity, and people with CF are advised to avoid events held in confined spaces, where it is much harder to stay away from, or to avoid being close to, other people with CF. The guidelines also apply to those who have been transplanted, since there is still a risk of acquiring new infections or of transmitting infections colonizing cystic fibrosis cells that remain in the nose, throat and sinuses..
Outdoor Events
In an open air environment, there is less concern for person-to-person transmission of infections, but travelling with other people with CF in a car, or meeting them socially increases the level of risk.
People with CF may attend Cystic Fibrosis Canada hosted or sponsored outdoor events but are advised to maintain a distance of at least six feet (about two meters) from other individuals with CF at all times. Self-disclosure as a person with CF is voluntary. The organizer(s) of Cystic Fibrosis Canada hosted or sponsored outdoor events may assist with voluntary self-disclosure through the provision of items such as clothing apparel, stickers or wristbands.
Attendance by people with CF at Cystic Fibrosis Canada hosted or sponsored outdoor events are at the individuals’ own risk.
The following guidelines provide advice on how to minimize exposure by people with cystic fibrosis to harmful bacteria.
Follow universal infection control precautions as instructed by your CF health care providers, including frequent use of hand sanitization and practice of good cough hygiene.
Do not travel to and from events with others with CF (unless they are siblings or parent and child with CF).
Avoid activities associated with events that encourage crowding.
Always be aware that there may be other people with CF present at the event, including those with B. cepacia, epidemic Pseudomonas, MRSA and other potentially harmful infections.
Be aware that young children with cystic fibrosis are usually less vigilant about observing proper infection prevention control practices.