Back to School with CF: What to Know

Photo of kids going to school with overlaying pale blue swoosh at the bottom with navy blue sans-serif type

August marks Back to School Month and Immunization Awareness Month, two essential topics for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). As students and families prepare for the new academic year, prioritizing health and disease prevention is crucial. Whether returning to the classroom or starting a new school journey, staying proactive about infection control, immunizations, and overall well-being can make a significant difference.

Going back to school presents unique challenges for students with CF from pre-school through secondary education and beyond, including exposure to germs, maintaining treatment schedules, and balancing academics with health needs. Here are some key considerations:

School Accommodations: Work with your school to create a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) to ensure the necessary accommodations are in place, such as extra time for treatments, access to handwashing facilities, and allowances for missed school days due to illness or medical appointments. Vivian Lee Foundation has a great workshop linked here presented by Johnie Ferro, a CF mom and school administrator, for info about 504, EIP, and IHP plans and more.
Managing Germ Exposure: Schools can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Encouraging frequent handwashing, sanitizing desks, and practicing good respiratory hygiene can help reduce the risk of infections.
Open Communication: Teachers, school nurses, and staff should be aware of CF and its impact. Providing an educational guide about CF can help them understand the importance of infection control and treatment adherence.
Nutrition and Hydration: Ensuring access to high-calorie snacks, enzyme supplements, and hydration options during school hours is key to maintaining energy and lung function.

The Importance of Immunizations

Immunizations play a critical role in protecting individuals with CF from preventable diseases. With CF impacting lung health, vaccinations can help prevent serious complications from infections like influenza, pneumonia, and whooping cough.

Recommended Vaccines for People with CF:
- Annual Flu Vaccine: Helps prevent severe respiratory illness.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Reduces the risk of bacterial pneumonia.
- COVID-19 Vaccine & Boosters: Protects against severe illness from the coronavirus.
- Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Guards against respiratory infections.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Essential for individuals with CF-related liver disease or those taking immunosuppressive medications.

Herd Immunity Matters: Ensuring that teachers, classmates, and family members are vaccinated helps protect individuals with CF who are more vulnerable to infections.

Tips for Staying Healthy in New Environments

Pack a CF Health Kit: Include hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, spare enzymes, snacks, and a water bottle to support daily health needs.
Monitor Symptoms Daily: Early detection of infections can prevent complications. Keep track of any changes in cough, mucus production, or fatigue.
Advocate for a Clean Environment: Work with school staff to ensure proper ventilation, air purification, and regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
Encourage Peer Awareness: Educating classmates about CF can help reduce stigma and encourage support for students managing chronic illness.

Empowering the CF Community

At the Filotimo Foundation, we are dedicated to advocating for the health and education of students with CF. By ensuring access to proper accommodations, vaccinations, and awareness, we can help create safe learning environments where students with CF can thrive.

Follow us on Instagram @Filotimo_Foundation to stay updated on CF advocacy and health resources!

If you a caregiver for a person with CF, check out our friends at Vivian Lee Foundation. Along with great content like the back-to-school workshop mentioned above, they have created a wonderful community of support groups and retreats for caregivers.

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