I know exactly where i got b.cepacia from. I was always pretty healthy my whole life with VERY little lung involvement and very high pft's. I hadnt been in the hospital for many years (last i was, it was for diabetes problems) Then i developed sinus problems that required surgery. I had no contact with any other cf patients in the past, and did not even know something like cepacia existed. Well, i had my surgery stayed in the hospital 2 days and never felt well again. The day i was to be discharged i started getting a lung infection which was odd since i came to the hospital in prime health. I left taking heavy antibiotics. I started to notice as time went on i was extremely tired a lot, started running these odd low grade fevers, and couldnt seem to shake this crappy feeling. Taking a shower was now a major project because i was so tired. Finally a year or so later we found the cepacia in my sputum culture and i knew darned well how i got it. I was very mad as well as terrified. I wound up being in the hospital about 8 times since then (1997) and i now can see how i got it. The housekeeping staff does not clean or disinfect the shower at all ( b.cepacia can live for years in damp surfaces), they also never disinfect the toilet, they simply poured something in it and flushed it, no wiping. They dont wipe down the bedrails or the mattress when the last patient leaves. NO WONDER I GOT THE AWFUL INFECTION !!!! Word of caution to anyone who has to be hospitalized, take antibacterial wipes with you and use them on ANYTHING YOU TOUCH ( bedrails, phone, tv remote, door handles, anything ) always wash your hands when you leave your room and return . Its your life that could be on the line. If i had known about b.cepacia i would have never had the damned surgery and just suffered the sinus problems. I figured with my good health, the surgery would be a breeze. Kind of funny how the surgeon and my doctor told me that by having the surgery, it might actually stop any future lung infections from starting. My fev1 is now at 43%. I have to work at staying well now, and it isnt easy. It breaks my heart to think this could all have been avoided if i had info on b.cepacia. and knew how to protect myself. PLEASE BE CAREFUL , if you have to be hospitalized.~Diane 39 / cf / diabetes / b.cepacia