Can I catch C. difficile?
You cannot catch C. difficile like you can a cold or the flu which can be easily transmitted from an infected person through coughing or sneezing. C. difficile is actually a common bacterium that some of us carry around in our bowels with very little risk to our health. When some individuals become infected with C. difficile it may cause C. difficile associated disease (CDAD).
When someone has CDAD, the bacteria in the stool can contaminate frequently-touched surfaces such as toilets, handles, or bedpans. When touching these items our hands can become contaminated. If we then touch our mouth without washing our hands, we ingest the bacteria and may become infected. Our soiled hands can also spread the bacteria to other surfaces.
If you always wash your hands and practice good hand hygiene, you can greatly reduce your chances of picking up any bacteria - not just C. difficile.
If I'm sick, should I avoid going to a hospital that has CDAD?
The number of cases of CDAD in a hospital does not mean that the hospital is unsafe.
Your decision reqarding where to seek care should be based on the availability of the best resources to provide you with the highest quality of care. When you do need to go to a hospital you can help to protect yourself by practicing good hand hygiene and asking all health care staff to clean their hands before they touch you.
How do I protect myself from C. difficile if I'm visiting someone at the hospital?
Cleaning your hands is the most efficient way for everyone to prevent the spread of C. difficile. Make sure you clean your hands before entering any patient rooms and after leaving the room. Most hospitals have hand sanitizers situated throughout the hospital. If you are visiting someone who has been diagnosed with CDAD, make sure you check with the nursing staff before visiting to see what restrictions may apply. If you are providing care in the hospital for someone with CDAD, you will also need to wear a gown and gloves in addition to washing your hands as described above. It is also very important not to use the same bathroom as the CDAD patient.
What happens if I get C. difficile while I'm a patient in the hospital?
If you are in the hospital and have symptoms of C. difficile, you will be put on precautions until you are free from diarrhea for at least two days. Your activities outside the room may be limited. All health care staff who enter your room will wear a gown and gloves.
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Cleaning your hands is the most important way for everyone to prevent the spread of C. difficile. As well, a thorough cleaning of your room and equipment will be done to prevent spread of the infection. Ask your visitors to check in with nursing staff if they have not done it.
Treatment will depend on how sick you are. People with mild symptoms may not need treatment. For more severe disease, antibiotics are required.
- News Canada