Tackling Cold & Flu Season With Cystic Fibrosis
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
Cold + flu season always hits different when cystic fibrosis is part of your life.
Whether you’re a parent trying to protect your kiddo’s lungs, or a caregiver doing your best to keep everyone healthy — I see you. This season can feel stressful, exhausting, and honestly… a little scary.
But the good news is: there are things we can do to lower risk, stay prepared, and protect those precious lungs as much as possible.
Here are my go-to cold + flu season tips and tricks for the CF community — practical, realistic, and doable.
Get your flu shot (AND encourage those around you to do it too!)
The flu vaccine is one of the biggest tools we have to help reduce the risk of serious illness. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends that people with CF get a flu shot every year.
And honestly? I’m a huge believer in the “team effort” approach — family members and close contacts getting vaccinated helps protect the person with CF too.
Court's Corner: Put it on the calendar early so it doesn’t get lost in the chaos of school, sports, and life.
Hand hygiene matters (and I'm not sorry about it)
Handwashing is basic, but it works.
Hand hygiene as a major way to reduce germ spread — especially when you’re out and about. As a nurse, hand hygiene is a major part of my day to day life. 2 minutes with soap and warm water ... sing the ABCs or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I promise you, it's worth it!
My hand sanitizer hacks:
Hand sanitizer in the car
Hand sanitizer in the diaper bag / purse / sports bag
Hand sanitizer by the front door
Wipe down phones (because let’s be honest … those things are disgusting)
Masking isn't "extra" — it's protection
I know masking is a hot topic, but in the CF world it’s simply a layer of protection.
Strategies like masking and keeping distance from sick people are ways to guard against germs, especially in healthcare settings.
Court's Corner: If you’re in crowded indoor spaces during peak sick season (sports tournaments, school, events, airports, clinics) … a mask can be a really smart choice.
Avoid sick people when you can (even if it feels awkward)
If someone is coughing, sniffling, or “getting over something,” it’s okay to create space.
Avoid exposure to any respiratory illnesses as part of flu season prevention.
And yes, I know it can feel uncomfortable — but protecting CF lungs is worth being “that person.” Don't be sorry about it!
PS : You don’t owe anyone access to your space when health is on the line.
Keep CF routines consistent (especially airway clearance)
Cold + flu season is NOT the time to fall off routine if you can help it.
Staying consistent with CF care helps keep lungs as strong as possible going into the season. If symptoms pop up, you want to already have a solid baseline.
Court's Corner: If your schedule is wild, try stacking habits:
Airway clearance + favorite show / video game
Nebs + homework time
Treatments + bedtime routine
Clean your environment like a mom (or dad) on a mission
Germs LOVE high-touch surfaces: door handles, remotes, phones, countertops.
Reduce germ exposure and practice infection prevention in everyday life. Pick up, wipe down surfaces ... little things each day to prevent germies!
If it helps, create a cleaning checklist!! Mondays = bathrooms, Tuesdays = living room, etc! That way cleaning doesn't feel like a daunting task and things don't seem to pile up that way!
Easy high-touch surfaces to focus on:
Light switches
Refrigerator handles
Bathroom surfaces
Tablets/phones
Car door handles
(And yes … I’m saying it again … phones.)
Don't wait too long to call your CF team!
If symptoms start — don’t play the “let’s see how it goes” game too long.
Reach out to your CF care team when you suspect flu or respiratory illness so you can get the right guidance early. The earlier the better!
Create a "Symptoms Start" Checklist, like the one below, when symptoms start (sniffles, cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue) to ensure you prompt and proper treatment.
Symptoms Start Checklist :
Start tracking symptoms immediately
Date/time symptoms started
Fever (if any) + temp readings
Cough changes (dry vs wet, frequency)
Appetite + hydration
Energy level
Any shortness of breath or wheezing
Don’t skip CF treatments
Keep airway clearance + nebulizers going (as prescribed)
Stick to your routine as best as possible
If you're kiddo is struggling to tolerate treatments, make note of it
Hydrate + rest like it’s their job
Push fluids (whatever works: water, electrolyte drinks, broths)
Prioritize sleep and downtime
Smaller, frequent meals/snacks if appetite is low
Reduce exposure to others
Stay home when possible
Mask if you must be around others
Avoid high-risk indoor crowds (especially early in symptoms)
Call your CF team early. Reach out if:
Fever starts or persists
Cough increases or changes
Increased sputum/mucus
Appetite drops significantly
Treatments feel harder than usual
You just have that “something’s off” feeling
Tip: Don’t wait until you’re really sick to ask for guidance.
Test when appropriate. Ask your care team if you should test for:
Flu
COVID-19
RSV (or other respiratory panels depending on symptoms)
Know your “red flags”. Seek urgent care/ER (or follow your CF team’s instructions) if:
Trouble breathing / fast breathing
Lips/face look pale or blue-ish
Chest pain
Dehydration signs (dry mouth, no urine, lethargy)
Fever that won’t come down
You feel significantly worse quickly
Hydration, rest, and nutrition are part of CF care too!
This one gets overlooked, but it matters.
Supporting your body with rest, fluids, and nutrition is a big part of staying well during respiratory illness season.
Real talk: you don’t have to do everything perfectly — but small steps add up.
My biggest reminder : You are NOT alone!
Cold + flu season can feel heavy when you’re trying to protect someone with CF (or protect yourself). But you are doing the right things. You are paying attention. You are advocating. And that matters.
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed — take a deep breath. Focus on what you can control, and lean on your CF team and community when you need to.
Helpful Resource from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are highly contagious viruses that can cause significant illness. When people with cystic fibrosis get one of these viruses, they may get sicker than people without CF because of their lung disease.
The purpose of this blog entry is solely for informational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. The content of this blog contains the opinions of the author and does not reflect the views of The Nebraska Regional Cystic Fibrosis Care Center.
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