Infection Prevention and Control
Patients with CF are at risk of patient-to-patient and environment-to-patient transmission of respiratory pathogens through droplet, contact or airborne mechanisms. Multi-resistant organisms are a concern and may not be identified until screening or testing is done.
It is recommended that patients with CF maintain a distance of at least 4 meters apart at all times to minimise the risk of transmission of micro-organisms. It is important to try to reduce exposure to common respiratory pathogens. Hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette and isolation when unwell remain the most important infection prevention and control strategies.
Vaccinations
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for people with CF.
COVID-19 vaccinations for those five years and older are also highly recommended, with an additional booster recommended for those 16 years and above who are severely immunocompromised.
Recommended transmission based precautions for all inpatients will include:
- Allocation of single clinic room where possible and private room with own bathroom during admissions
- Patients to remain in their room with door closed
- Contact precautions for all CF patients, including use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health professionals
- All respiratory therapy to be performed in the patient’s room with the door closed if possible
- Single use/patient dedicated equipment
- Use of TGA registered disinfectant e.g. Nocospray / OxiverTb solution
- Patient should wear a mask in common areas e.g. ED, outpatients, pathology, radiology
Extra precautions for patients with CF known to be infected/colonised with Nontuberculous Mycobacterium abcessus (NTM) and Burkholderia cepacia include:
- Use of negative pressure single room if available and own bathroom essential
- Respiratory function testing to occur in patients own room with portable equipment if possible
- Patients should remain in their room and not visit other areas of the hospital
- Patients/carers/visitors must clean their hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water on entering and leaving the patient room
Health Professional Resources:
- Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines (Cystic Fibrosis WA)
- ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Dept Health)
Patient Resources:
- COVID Information and CFWA Support (Cystic Fibrsosis WA)