We were coughing before it went viral

We were coughing before it went viral

Over 10,800 people in the UK are living with cystic fibrosis (CF), but the condition is still widely misunderstood.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes a build up of sticky mucus in the lungs. In healthy lungs, there is a thin layer of mucus that helps your body move dirt and bacteria out of the lungs. In people with CF, this mucus is much thicker and clogs the lungs, creating the perfect environment for harmful bacteria.

This means that for people living with CF, a persistent cough is part of everyday life.

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We've always had to keep a distance

People living with CF can carry infections in their lungs which could be harmful to others with CF. These infections can be easily transmitted from one person with cystic fibrosis to another. This means that people with CF are never allowed to meet each other in person. 

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Recent research has shown that 86% of the public don’t know that those with CF can’t meet each other in person due to the risk of passing on potentially deadly infections. And over two thirds of people are unaware that people with CF must take up to 40 pills a day just to stay healthy.

We’ve launched our #CFTruths campaign to increase understanding and show what it’s really like to live with CF.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made common many of the everyday experiences of the CF community. The sacrifices made. The distances kept. The milestones missed.

But while many people now look forward to a return to normality as restrictions lift, the effects of the pandemic are not over for all of us. Those with cystic fibrosis must go on experiencing them, every day.

How you can get involved

Speak out and share your CF truth. You can download our social media graphics and help others understand what everyday life is like for people with CF. Remember to tag us @cftrustuk and use the hashtag #CFTruths to join the conversation.