It may seem pretty basic; however, countless myths persist about how and why we get sick. Myth: In reality, about 20- to 30-percent of people carrying the influenza virus show no symptoms whatsoever. As a clinician, you’re critical in helping people with CF maintain their quality of life. Certain medications used to treat medical conditions, such as antibiotics, steroids, and certain cancer fighting medications increase the risk of some types of infections. Droplets containing germs are released into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Contact moves germs by touch (example: MRSA or VRE). Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited care centers provide expert care and specialized disease management to people living with cystic fibrosis. These include frequent cleaning of hands, wearing gowns and gloves, and helping people with CF keep a safe 6-foot distance from each other when they visit the care center and when they are admitted to the hospital. Updated 4550 Montgomery Ave. Note that the hands should be damp but not soaking wet. Fact: The kitchen is the most germ-ridden place in virtually every household, and sponges do a great job of spreading harmful bacteria around. Information on this website is available in alternative formats upon request. CF is a rare genetic disease found in about 30,000 people in the U.S. You can unfold germs to others when you cough or sneeze. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. We come in contact with millions of germs every day. Belief: The flu vaccine protects you from all types of influenza. Patients in healthcare who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and organ transplantation are at increased risk for infection because often these illnesses decrease the immune system’s ability to fight infection. Bethesda, MD 20814, How Babies Are Screened in IRT-Only vs. IRT-DNA States, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, School Transitions for People With CF and Their Families, When There's More Than One Person With CF in the Same School, Coping While Caring for Someone With Cystic Fibrosis, Special Considerations While Traveling Abroad. [Minn Rules Chap. Food handlers in restaurants, schools, delis and grocery stores must wash their hands with soap and water Transmission refers to the way germs are moved to the susceptible person. Five common ways germs are spread: Nose, mouth, or eyes to hands to others: Germs can spread to the hands by sneezing, coughing, or rubbing the eyes and then can be transferred to other family members or friends. After each use, smooth and disinfect the nebulizer via following the CF Foundation’s recommended steps for nebulizer care. CF Foundation Compass is a service that helps people with CF and their families with navigating insurance options, connecting to legal information and experts, finding available financial resources, and tackling other life issues. Germs spread very easily, sometimes without thinking we inadvertently open ourselves up to exposure. Subscribe now to receive health news in your inbox. Whether they’re viral or bacterial, germs lurk around every corner and atop nearly every surface. Myth: Studies have shown that no-touch hand driers are far less likely to transmit germs compared to traditional paper towel dispensers. For more info, see, This activity has a companion article. Belief: Sponges spread germs around. The poor kid had been going to school in tears because he was afraid of missing any more days, but feeling (and looking) just awful! With all these different ways for germs to be passed around, you might wonder if there's a way to avoid germs from getting to you. ", American Psychological Association. before applying hand sanitizers. Belief: Wooden cutting boards are less sanitary than plastic ones. These encompass time-honored cleaning of hands, sportinggowns and gloves, and helping humanswith CF maintain a safe 6-foot distance from every different when they go to the care middle and when they are admitted to the hospital.Keep a Safe 6-Foot Distance.