Frequently Asked CF Questions

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

We know the difficulty of navigating long term care during these times. And, we are always here to listen to your concerns and answer questions. We've outlined a few common questions that frequently come up for families.

Absolutely! Our multidisciplinary care team does not take the place of your child’s primary care provider. The PCP is an extended member of the care team and will be important for routine pediatric care and acute illnesses.

People living with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at a higher risk of obtaining respiratory infections. This is largely due to growth of bacteria within the lungs. The lungs often have thick, sticky mucus that provides a host environment for organisms to grow. Patients with CF can spread bacteria to each other through droplet or contact measures. Our center follows Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s strict guidelines to avoid the spread of infection.

Yes, patients with CF, family members, and friends should wash their hands regularly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or antimicrobial soap and water.

All patients with CF should observe the “6-foot rule.” This means that people with CF should remain separated from each other by at least 6 feet of distance in all settings. Those who live with CF patients should also remain 6 feet from anyone with any type of respiratory infection. This could include anyone with a cough, fever, viral illness, or flu.

Yes, and also make sure their children avoid touching or playing with any toys in the waiting areas.

The center takes multiple precautions to protect our CF patients:

  •  Each patient is cared for by a different nurse when possible.
  • They are discouraged from entering the room of another patient with CF
  • Only one CF patient at a time is allowed in communal areas, such as playrooms or the gym.
  • CF patients are cared for using contact precautions.
  • Health care providers wear gowns and gloves while in the presence of a patient with CF.
  • Patients with CF are hospitalized in a single room.

Research and Credible Information About Cystic Fibrosis

Our cystic fibrosis center is part of the Therapeutics Development Network (TDN), a network that includes the most current and best practices in cystic fibrosis research around the nation. We're proud to be nationally recognized as a cystic fibrosis center and are excited to bring leading-edge care to our patients through personalized approach and treatment. Learn more about the TDN.

Our CF care team will provide education about cystic fibrosis during clinic visits, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is an excellent resource for up-to-date information. Obtaining information from reputable resources is important – there is outdated/inaccurate information about CF on the internet.