C. diff infection

Overview

C. diff spreads through spores on surfaces and hands.

It often comes back, so follow-up matters.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Watery diarrhea after antibiotics
• Diarrhea during or after antibiotics

Less common

• Cramps
• Fever
• Nausea

When to get medical care

Causes

Antibiotics.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: germs from poop getting into the mouth, hospitals, or clinics.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults
• Hospital stays

Diagnosis

Stool test.

Treatment

Treat.

Self-care

• Wash hands with soap
• Clean with bleach

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use antibiotics only when needed
• Wash hands with soap

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
• Wash hands well after using the toilet.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 65: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What if it comes back?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on C. diff infection