C Diff Prevention – 5 things you should know

C Diff prevention – how can you help protect yourself or others in hospitals and at home?

Where does it come from?

Some people are carriers of C diff in their intestines. It is usually kept in check by other bacteria but can flare up when these bacteria are killed during a course of antibiotic treatment for another illness. This is often discovered when the C diff related illness has started and the only course of action then is treatment with drugs such as Flagyl, Vancocin or Dificid.

C Diff prevention – staff as carriers

Many however suffer because they are in hospital and catch c difficile in cross contamination situations. As it is often spread by fecal matter ward hygiene is vital with staff hygiene being key. Staff cannot avoid coming in contact with C diff spores – it’s in the nature of their task that they have to clean people and aid them at times of great illness.

BUT the main agent of infection is often the hands. Because alcohol based gels are often not effective against c diff, hand washing with water is vital before approaching a new patient and is key to c diff prevention.

C Diff prevention – ward layout

Ward layout is also a factor with distance beween beds mentioned in some studies as a factor in C Diff spread. Minute amounts of fecal matter in the form of c diff spores can surround a sufferer – the further apart the beds are the less risk of cross infection there is.

The toilets and C Diff

Another ‘place of infection’ can be the ward toilets which must be cleaned often and especially after use by a patient with diarrhea. it is important to keep the lid down after flushing as a fine fecal containing mist can sometimes settle on surrounding surfaces if the lid is open. This heightens the possibility of cross infection via the hands.

General ward cleanliness is vital and hospitals will need to use specialist disinfectants as c diff spores are hardy, can survive for several months and are not killed by some popular cleaning agents alone.

At home – C Diff Prevention

When a c diff sufferer is at home there can be understandable fears. Bear the following in mind when thinking about c diff prevention.

• It is worth noting that active infections among family and friends are rare.
• Regular hand washing among family members (5 times a day and after care for the sick person) will often block the transmission of c difficile spores to the hands and bodies of others.
• C Difficile is common in the environment and can enter the home on the sole of our shoes  so family members may become carriers via other routes.
• Being a carrier does not mean you will become infected – it just makes you vulnerable to infection if antibiotics alter your gut bacteria.
• Wash sheets and clothes from a sufferer in a hot wash
• Get a clorox style cleaner and pay daily attention to high touch areas in the bathroom and around light switches and door handles

Related Pages

• C Diff Diet? Aid your recovery, ease your pain and combat further infection
• C Diff Contagious – What you must know about preventing an infection
• C Diff Prevention – 5 things you should know

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Last Updated on March 13, 2019