Please note: While some information will still be current in a year, other information may already be out of date in three months time. If you are in any doubt, please feel free to ask.

Cold weather

Question
My 4 year old with cf is being sent out at lunch and break times in this cold weather when I have asked teachers not to is this right
Answer
Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your question.
There is no definite answer, based on research, as to the most suitable climate for someone with Cystic Fibrosis. In fact, there are no publications in over 12,000 on Medline dealing with Cystic Fibrosis and climate. Some consider that a warm, dry climate, with fewer winter 'colds' is better for someone with Cystic Fibrosis. However, I'm afraid the hard evidence to support this is not available. General advice includes wrapping up warm and staying dry when outside. Exercise and physical activity are an important part of treatment in CF and children with CF should be encouraged to take part in as much physical activity as possible - ideally types of exercise that make you out of breath such as running, swimming, football or tennis. It is important to inform teachers at school that exercise should be encouraged, as they may be unsure whether exercise is good for people with Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis requires a degree of special involvement from teachers. The CF trust has developed a fact sheet for teachers, which you may find useful.

If you have any worries about this I would advise you to discuss this with your local CF clinical team at your CF Centre.

Yours Sincerely

Katherine O’Neill
Physiotherapist

References:
• https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk /aboutcf/publications/factsheets/FS_CF_and_school_2011_layout1.pdf

• https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk /aboutcf/asktheexpert/archivequestion/#airquality
24.01.2013
The answer is edited by: Katherine O'Neill