Can I contract infections by meeting with other people with bronchiectasis?
No – not usually. The infection is in the sputum you produce, so this has to be handled with care (into a tissue and into the bin or down the toilet).
People with bronchiectasis are more susceptible to chest infections so try and avoid socialising with people that have colds or flu. This does not mean becoming reclusive. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, like wearing a mask in situations where you might be exposed to such germs. Good hand washing is also important.
Catching a cold will not always lead to a chest infection, but you may be more susceptible to developing one. This will partly depend upon the severity of your bronchiectasis.
Making sure you are up to date with your flu, coronavirus and pneumococcal vaccinations will also help reduce infections.
For more advice visit services.nhslothian.scot/bronchiectasis/treatment/day-to-day-advice
What about intimate contact with spouses – or children/grandchildren?
There is no reason why intimate contact should not continue as you will not pass the infection onto your family. If you know your relative has an infection, you may want to take more steps to protect yourself.
But I have a hacking cough and it’s embarrassing!
Yes, it can be. But there is a lot that can be done by thinking and planning ahead. If you are going to be in company of others make sure you clear your chest thoroughly immediately before you meet them and take opportunities wherever you can – perhaps going to the toilet – to clear again. It is a case of developing coping strategies which minimise or eliminate the embarrassment.
