I feel like today’s Flashback Friday couldn’t be more fitting, given the current circumstances we all find ourselves in.
This is a photo of a childhood friend of mine, Kyle. Once upon a time we were able to hug hello and go for a coffee… however today we are strongly advised against it. We both have Cystic Fibrosis and due to “Cross. Infection” sadly are not allowed within close contact of one another…
You see, this “lockdown” and “social distancing” sadly is not new to those living with Cystic Fibrosis. Wearing a face mask to avoid “catching infections”, the regular use of hand gel and washing hands to stop the spread of infection and isolating from others when unwell for long periods of time, again…not new to me or those living with CF. Amongst many other things, COVID-19 has “accidently” raised awareness on just how fast infections can spread. In a weird way, I am almost reluctant to say I am “grateful” the rest of the world are now putting extreme safety measures in place and are “accidently” having an insight to what it is like to live with Cystic Fibrosis.
You see, us living with CF are extremely vulnerable to catching different types of bacterial infections, which can be life threatening but at the least, each time an infection occurs it causes further lung damage. For me growing up, initially “Cross infection” was non- existent, but sure enough over time, this is no longer the case.
Sadly, those with Cystic Fibrosis are not allowed to meet one another, due to “Cross Infection” In simpler terms, the bacteria that lives within my CF lungs may not live in another CF person’s lungs and if passed on to one another, it can be life threatening. To avoid cross infection and the bacteria spreading, we are not allowed to come in contact with one another. To help you understand ff you don’t have CF… when you are well and come in contact with someone who is unwell, chances are you too will get sick, however your recover is a lot quicker than a CF person and it does not leave you with lung deterioration. Bacteria is everywhere, whether it be “direct contact, indirect or via droplets” you can imagine in general how quickly bugs are transmitted amongst us, let alone for those living with CF. Cystic Fibrosis has become not only an invisible illness, but it has also become extremely isolating.
Imagine knowing there are other people like you yet you have no way to connect to them, imagine not being allowed to be around your friends or hug that person or enjoy the simple things like a coffee with a friend… That simple “cold” can cause a horrific CF chest infection, leaving us hospitalised for 2-3 weeks at a time, whilst the body undergoes intensive intravenous antibiotics to fight that bad bacteria, all whilst being isolated away from reality. There is much more to a simple cold than a simple cold when you have CF.
Cross infection is serious. It can be life threatening. I have seen many of those childhood friends pass-away due to lung failure and I can’t help but wonder, is it because of additional bacterial bugs that contributed to the lung damage over time. This constantly plays on the back of my mind. It scares me.
For every infection I have, slowly contributes to the deterioration of my lungs.
So for those of you reading, please, be smart and do the right thing. Everyone can wash hands, wear that mask, avoid others who are sick and put into practice those daily safety measures to help avoid the spread of infection.
Thank you
