Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) face heightened risks as the flu outbreak intensifies across the United Kingdom. Professor Alex Horsley, a clinical researcher at The University of Manchester, reported a significant increase in flu cases, with hospital admissions spiking by 55% in just one week, averaging 2,660 patients daily. This surge marks the highest number of flu hospitalisations recorded for this time of year.
In the North West, the statistics reveal a troubling 36.6% rise in flu-related hospitalisations. With this alarming trend, NHS England is strongly advising vulnerable populations, including those with cystic fibrosis, to seek flu vaccinations promptly to mitigate the risk of severe illness.
Understanding the Risks for Cystic Fibrosis Patients
People with CF often contend with chronic respiratory issues, typically managed through nebuliser medications that help clear mucus from the lungs and antibiotics to combat infections. However, influenza can exacerbate these complications, leading to more severe lung infections and increased breathlessness, which may require hospital admission.
Professor Horsley, who serves as a respiratory consultant at Wythenshawe Hospital and is the Medical Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility, emphasized the vulnerability of CF patients during the flu season. He stated, “CF is an inherited condition affecting around 11,000 individuals in the UK. It primarily impacts the lungs but also has significant effects on the pancreas, gut, and liver.”
He further cautioned that the winter flu wave can be particularly challenging for those with CF, urging everyone to prioritize their health by obtaining flu vaccinations and minimizing exposure to individuals exhibiting viral symptoms.
At Wythenshawe Hospital’s CF centre, emergency reviews are conducted every weekday to provide immediate care for patients experiencing acute illness. The team is also dedicated to advancing research, currently leading a study aimed at understanding and preventing viral infections in CF patients.
New Research Initiatives and Patient Experiences
The ongoing research, known as the “CF-Tracker” study, is part of a multi-million pound initiative funded by the CF Trust. This project seeks to identify which viruses contribute to severe infections in CF patients and how these infections lead to worsened health outcomes. The findings will inform the development of new treatments aimed at preventing exacerbations.
Professor Horsley noted, “Recent advances in CF therapies, particularly a class of drugs called CFTR modulators, have significantly improved health outcomes for many patients.” He highlighted that despite these advancements, approximately 25% of adults with CF still require intravenous antibiotics annually, which can disrupt daily life and accelerate health decline.
Amid these statistics, the personal experiences of patients provide insight into the profound impact of flu on individuals with CF. Laura Beattie, who contracted the flu in 2022, shared her harrowing experience. “My cystic fibrosis made things very difficult for me when I contracted the flu. It completely floored me, and I ended up going to A&E because my breathing was so laboured,” she recounted. Laura described being placed on continuous oxygen and IV antibiotics throughout the holiday period, illustrating the severe toll the flu took on her health.
Reflecting on her experience, she said, “It’s incredibly frustrating when you don’t know exactly what has triggered an exacerbation, and even more frustrating not knowing how it’s going to affect you while you’re going through it.” Laura emphasized the unpredictability of viral infections, stating that the impact on her health can be significant and long-lasting.
The ongoing flu wave presents a critical challenge for individuals with cystic fibrosis, underscoring the importance of vaccination and proactive health management during this vulnerable period. Researchers at The University of Manchester continue to work diligently towards better understanding and treating the complexities of CF, aiming to improve the lives of those affected by this condition.
