C Diff Contagious Period – How long is it?

The c diff contagious period – how long is it, is a concern for many. They would like to know when they and their family or friends can stop worrying about transmission caused by someone suffering a c diff outbreak. This is because spores left behind by someone with an active c diff infection can linger on surfaces for months and infect new carriers. It is not an easy question to answer. There are many different factors which impact the survival of c diff

Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilites (LTCF) and the c diff contagious period

There is more surface contamination in both of these settings and they pose more of a risk. The number of people carrying c difficile is high in LTCF. This is because of previous medication or cross contamination from other residents or staff. Patients low mobility and impaired hygiene skill can also hinder decontamination of the area around a sick patient. The same is true in the hospital.  But there are often higher standards and measurable goals for infection prevention in these situations.Technologies to destroy c diff spores such as UV light and strong disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide are often deployed.

C Diff contagious period in the home low?

Patients without active diahrrea are thought less likely to be infection risks. Several studies suggest very low transmission rates in the domestic family home. The bathroom is the area of the home that may need the most vigilance during an active infection and while the patient is recovering.

Hands and high touch areas need attention

Contamination of the hand can mean that the c diff spores find their way to the mouth. This is the most frequent means of cross infection from a c diff sufferer. Hand hygiene after toilet visits and one or two other times per day should be considered. This can halt transmission and can lower the infection risk considerably. Regular cleaning of the toilet area and other high touch items such as door handles etc is also important.  The use of Clorox type disinfectants certified to kill c diff spores will be important.

Carriers may not develop active infections and become contagious because of the work of other bacteria in inhibiting the c difficile bacteria. C Difficile may emerge when antibiotics acting against other infections also deplete the ‘good bacteria’ that is holding c difficile in check.

Other C Diff Contagious Questions

• C Diff Contagious – What you must know about preventing an infection
• C Diff Airborne – Protecting Yourself In Hospital and at Home
• C Diff Incubation Period – What is your risk?
• C Diff Contagious Period – How long is it?
• C Diff Transmission – 7 ways you can catch it?
• C Diff Prevention – 5 things you should know

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Last Updated on September 5, 2019