Infection control at the 

Australian Cystic Fibrosis Conference 2024

People living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are at a higher risk from respiratory infections. The lungs of people with CF have thick, sticky mucus that provides an environment for potentially dangerous organisms to grow. This can occur even for people on new therapies such as Kalydeko and Trikafta. While some people with CF who have had a lung transplant will be taking medications that reduce the ability of their immune systems to fight infections.

Dangerous organisms that can infect the lungs include respiratory viruses, such as; COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, but also many others including the common cold virus. There are also many bacteria that can be spread; including Pseudomonas,  Burkholderia Cepacia and Mycobacterium Abscessus along with many others.

These organisms are spread in the air and sometimes on surfaces, by coughing, sneezing, even talking and through physical contact.

They may cause devastating chest infections for people with CF.

There are some important things we can do to protect people with CF, our families and friends.

1.    If you are unwell or feel you have a flu like illness or common cold, with symptoms that include, cough, runny nose, sore throat or fevers, please DO NOT attend the conference.

2.    All people attending the conference should ensure they are up to date with their influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. This reduces the risk of infection as well as the chance you will spread the virus.

3.    Wash your hands regularly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or antimicrobial soap and water. Hand sanitiser will be available at the venue.

4.    People with CF may consider wearing a mask to protect themselves from infection. Consider this when you are indoors and in rooms/areas where it is hard to maintain social distancing. Masks will be freely available at the conference.

5.    Try and maintain social distancing where feasible, that is approximately 1 to 1.5m from another person. We understand this can be difficult at a conference. People with CF should attempt to do at least maintain this between each other.

Certain infections, especially with Pseudomonas, Burkholderia cepacia and Mycobacterium Abscessus can lead to severe chest infections and carriage of these organisms for life. If you have an infection with these organisms, please consider whether you should be attending the conference in person. The lay plenary sessions will be available to watch after the conference.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia will take all possible steps to minimise the risk of infection while at the conference, however we cannot guarantee that transmission of infections will not occur for delegates while in attendance. Please consider this and the risk to your health.

Thank you for considering this advice. Your application of these steps will help ensure a safe and enjoyable conference for everyone.