Reducing the risk of infection - babies - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Hygiene

The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands. Encourage hand washing before anyone handles your baby and when your child becomes old enough, encourage them to wash their hands too, especially after visiting the toilet, playing outside, or sharing toys outside the home.

Coughing can spread viruses and bacteria. It is important that everyone covers their mouth when coughing.

Disposal of tissues and careful handwashing after coughing is recommended.

Coughs and colds

Young children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are just as likely to get colds and viral infections as any child, but these infections can potentially make a child with CF more unwell.

Parents will know it’s virtually impossible to avoid viruses altogether while children are growing up, but we recommend minimising unnecessary contact with those outside your home who have heavy colds and respiratory infections.

Good handwashing is a good idea before handling any baby, not just those with CF.

Other people with CF

Many people with CF carry bacteria and other microorganisms in their airways that can be easily passed on to other people with CF.

We therefore recommend that people with CF avoid coming into contact with one another where possible, for example at charity events and in the hospital.

Clinics and wards are arranged so that children with CF should not come into contact.

Some children with CF will have siblings or other family members also with CF and this is a very different situation. Please speak to your CF team for further advice.

Water

When water stands still, bacteria within it can multiply and this increases the risk of infection to people with CF.

Swimming pools are clean when they contain chlorine – if unsure, ask. In the home, we recommend running taps and showers briefly every day, and keep them free of a build-up of dirt.

Avoid bath toys that cannot be easily cleaned and dried. Close the lid of the toilet when flushing.