This leaflet explains what Clostridioides-difficile (C. diff) is and how you can help prevent the spread of infection. This leaflet is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor or nurse but can act as a starting point for discussions.
What is C. diff?
C. diff is a rod-shaped bacteria that lives in your gut. C. diff can be found in approximately 66% of babies and 3% of adults. The bacteria can live harmlessly in your gut and remain undetected for a long time within your body and only develops into an infection when it is given conditions to multiply. Antibiotic use is one of the most common reasons why the bacteria develops into an infection.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with an active C. diff infection may experience slightly different symptoms. However, common symptoms include:
1. Profuse diarrhoea
2. Abdominal pain
3. Abdominal distention
4. Fatigue
5. Dehydration
It is important you or your nurse accurately monitors your bowel motions, and that you drink lots of fluids. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if any of your symptoms become unmanageable; they are here to help.
How is C. diff diagnosed?
A sample of your stool will be sent to the laboratory for testing. In some cases, a C. diff infection can show on some imaging such as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan.
How is C. diff treated?
Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you have severe symptoms then antibiotics will be prescribed. If you remain in hospital; you will be seen by a team of infection specialists on a weekly basis who will assess your progress and adjust your treatment as required.
What precautions are necessary if I am in hospital?
If you have been diagnosed with a C. diff infection and you have active symptoms; you will be isolated in a side room. Staff will wear aprons and gloves when providing your care. Hand washing with soap and warm water are important to prevent the spread of the infection. Friends and family will be asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after they visit you. If they are helping you with personal care, they should also wear gloves & aprons.
Can I go home after being told I have a C. diff infection?
Being diagnosed with C. diff should not keep you in hospital if you feel well. You should complete the entire course of any treatment that you are sent home with. You should continue to practice excellent hand hygiene at home and encourage your friends and family whom you have contact with to do the same.
When can I go back to work or school?
You can return to work or school once you feel well enough and your symptoms have subsided. Good hand hygiene remains the most important way you can prevent any spread of infection, protecting yourself and those around you. It will be necessary to wait for 48 hours after you last episode of diarrhoea before returning to work if you work in the following sectors:
1. Any care setting, for children or vulnerable adults
2. Food handling
3. Customer services
If your symptoms return and you seek further medical attention, it is really important that you let your care provider know you have previously been C. diff positive.
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