cystic fibrosis and colds

[Servalan]

Apologies if this is a really daft question.

I'm going to be somewhere tomorrow where there will be a toddler with cystic fibrosis.

I've got a bit of a cold (had it for a week or so).

Is it any more dangerous for a child with cystic fibrosis to catch a cold? Just thinking about cf affecting the chest etc. (I don't plan to sneeze over people etc. but I also don't want to be irresponsible)

Thanks

[Janni]

Hi Servalan. That's very thoughtful of you. My 3 year old has CF and yes, it is more dangerous for CF children to catch colds as it's much harder for them to fight off an infection, due to the thick mucous in their lungs which stops them being easily able to expel harmful bacteria.

Having said that, CF children do need to come into contact with all sorts of people, they do need to build up immunity, we are not meant to raise them in a bubble.

If you do go, obviously don't cough or sneeze over the child and be careful about passing on any germs on your hands. The best defence is good handwashing and not using the towel the child uses.

If I were the child's mother, I would appreciate you phoning to check. If the child is currently very well, it will be fine, but if s/he is a bit under the weather it might be better to postpone.

[Servalan]

Thanks Janni that's really helpful.

I don't know the child's mother very well, which is why I thought I'd ask on here first.