
Let's Talk About C-Diff
What is it? | Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can live in the gut of 2-3% of the adult population. It rarely causes problems in healthy people | |
How did I get it? | It is not always clear why a patient has this organism. However, some treatments, including some antibiotics, can disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut. Clostridium difficile can then multiply rapidly and produce toxins which cause this illness | |
How is it passed on? | Clostridium difficile can live in the bowel of individuals without causing infection. However, they are capable of causing infection. They can be transferred by
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Who is at risk? | All patients are at risk, but some are more vulnerable than others | |
How can we stop the spread? | The simplest most effective measure in preventing the spread of infection is hand hygiene, as per the 'My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene'
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What can you do? |
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What does it mean for you and your family? | Visitors will normally be allowed, but must follow any instructions given. It should not be necessary for you to remain in hospital because of Clostidium difficile, but you may need to complete a course of antibiotics | |
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