C. Diff is a potentially serious intestinal infection that is known in the medical community as Clostridium difficile. Usually a person is infected with C. Diff after taking a round of antibiotics that kill off the good bacteria in the intestine that keep the C. Diff from spreading and multiplying to the point of an infection. These bacteria produce spores that can live on surfaces outside of the body for several days and are thus very contagious. There are several measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of this infection if you currently are suffering from it, are a healthcare provider, or are in the home with someone who is sick.
Hand-Washing
Hand-washing is the No. 1 preventative measure in stopping the spread and infection of C. Diff. It is important to wash hands with warm water and anti-bacterial soap for at least 30 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. Diff and will not kill spores that may be on the hands.
Isolation
Any person who is infected with C. Diff should remain in a separate bedroom and ideally have a separate bathroom for at least 48 hours after they have stopped having diarrhea during treatment. When you are around a person with this infection, it is important to wear gloves and, if possible, a yellow isolation gown to prevent picking up the spores from their environment. Wash your hands immediately upon leaving their room to kill any spores that you may have accidentally picked up.
Separate Hygiene Items
The person infected with C. Diff should have their own hygiene items. Do not share washcloths, hand towels, toothbrushes, or linens with an infected person. Linens and clothes should be washed separately from anyone else's clothes with detergent and on the hot setting of the washer and dryer.
Daily Cleaning of Affected Areas
It is important to clean any areas that the infected person comes into contact with daily. Bathrooms should be cleaned after every visit. Mix 1 part of bleach with 10 parts of water as a cleaner and use on toilet bowls, sinks, sink and toilet handles and doorknobs. Vacuum carpets daily and mop any hard floors with the bleach solution used for bathroom cleansing to kill spores that are in the environment.
