Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most frequent serious genetic diseases in our country. Today is the world day of this rare disease, and, given the pandemic situation, we wanted to know how COVID-19 affects children, and also adults. Because for people with CF, contracting any other disease, with effects on the respiratory system, is especially dangerous.
The contagion of COVID-19, in which we still find ourselves, generates a special concern in the group of children, and families with members affected by Cystic Fibrosis. By the way, as of September 7 there is 33 patients with CF and COVID19. Of which there are 10 admitted, of the 33 infected, 11 are under 18 years of age.
General recommendations for children with CF
CF is a complex disease, which affects differently each person who suffers it, so it is best to speak directly with the CF care team and ask any specific questions you have about the health of your children and your family.
There is evidence that people, children, with pre-existing conditions such as lung diseases, run a increased risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 in case of contagion. Both the Spanish Federation and the North American Federation released extensive documentation in July with a series of recommendations.
As main recommendations we highlight: stock up on provisions and stay home as much as possible. Self-confinement. And take everyday precautions to keep your distance from others, limit close contact, and wash your hands frequently. Another recommendation is to do the outdoor exercise, during off-peak hours, at least three times a week. And, when the boy, girl, arrives at the home, a shoe cleaning, change of clothes and personal hygiene. Not only of the child but also of the companions.
What do the statistics say about Cystic Fibrosis and COVID-19?
A child with Cystic Fibrosis coughs very often, if you notice that your son coughs differently, you have more difficulty breathing or muscle aches, immediately consult with the team that is monitoring you. Other symptoms are high fever, extreme loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, or if you experience loss of smell or taste.
In general, the response of people infected with COVID-19, suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, are responding well. A very small percentage is being entered, and most have been able to recover at home.
Those and children and adults who have underwent a transplant and they are taking medications that suppress their immune systems to prevent organ rejection. They are at higher risk of getting and getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
Children with Cystic Fibrosis at school
Going back to the classroom is a difficult decision for all parents at this time, especially if it is a boy or a girl with Cystic Fibrosis. Is a risk decision, but also has benefits, if done correctly, for the student and the family. Boys and girls have specific social and emotional needs, and face-to-face learning benefits them for their correct integration.
The first is consult and assess it with the CF Unit team. It is necessary to take into account the degree of affectation, the clinical situation, place of residence, characteristics and capacity of the school to follow the established guidelines. We recommend you contact the school to also know what options they have thought for your son or daughter.
The recommendations are: small bubble groups, ventilated classrooms, distancing, frequent hand hygiene every 1 or 2 hours, cleaning surfaces at least 2 times a day and from 3 years in our group the use of a mask (FFP2 / KN95 or surgical depending on tolerance). But this strategy should not be implemented only in classrooms, but in all circumstances the child is in, transportation, after-school meetings, leisure ...