Clostridium Difficile Infection Prevention Information for Patients & Relatives Options available If you d like a large print, audio, Braille or a translated version of this leaflet then please call: 01253 955588 Our Four Values: People Centred Positive Compassion Excellence
This Leaflet aims to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Clostridium difficile. What is Clostridium difficile? Clostridium difficile is a bacteria or germ that is present in the bowel of approximately 3% to 15% of the population. It is nearly always associated with and can be triggered by the use of antibiotics. These can be antibiotics taken up to 6-8 weeks prior to any symptoms starting. The antibiotics destroy the normal bacteria of the bowel and once in the bowel the Clostridium difficile bacterium multiplies and causes diarrhoea. What are the symptoms of Clostridium difficile? Abdominal pain mild to severe Watery, offensive smelling diarrhoea which can be frequent with urgency High temperature
How do I know I have it? If you are in hospital and suddenly develop unexplained diarrhoea a specimen will be collected and sent for examination in the laboratory. If the toxin related to Clostridium difficile is found in the faeces sample, it means that you have the infection. Once the diagnosis has been made the nurse or doctor will inform you. What is the treatment? Upon diagnosis your doctor will review your medication and make any necessary changes. Usually this involves stopping the antibiotics you may already be taking and prescribing a course of Metronidazole a different antibiotic to treat the Clostridium difficile infection. This course is usually for 10 days. Once your symptoms have settled down there is a small risk of a relapse. If your symptoms do not settle or the diarrhoea re-occurs then your doctors will review your medication and may alter the antibiotic from Metronidazole to Vancomycin.
Can I go home? Most cases settle within 1 2 weeks. If you are well enough to be discharged during this time it will not prevent this from happening, as long as your Doctors are happy with your medical condition. Once home the infection will not affect your family, children or friends. Usual personal hygiene, laundering and household cleaning are all sufficient. As stated a small percentage of patients can have a relapse - if you develop diarrhoea that persists for longer than 48 hours - contact your GP. It may be necessary to provide a further specimen. What can be done about preventing the spread of infection in hospital? Clostridium difficile can be spread from person to person on contaminated hands and equipment such as toilets and commodes. It will be necessary for you to be nursed in a single room to prevent further spread to other patients who may be more susceptible to infections. Good hand hygiene following the use of the toilet/commode is essential in preventing the spread of this infection. All staff caring for you during this illness will wear protective clothing; disposable gloves and aprons when assisting you with your personal hygiene. This is to prevent the spread of infection to other people.
It is important that all members of staff wash their hands after attending to you. What about my visitors? Visitors will be asked to wear gloves and aprons and wash their hands on entering and leaving the area where you are being nursed. Please do not allow visitors to sit or lie on your bed. What can you do? Ensure you wash your hands after every visit to the toilet/commode and before eating. Maintain a healthy diet if you are able to. Some patients enquire about the use of probiotic drinks, at present there is only a limited amount of research to confirm whether their use is of benefit or not. Thank you for your co-operation For further information please contact: Infection Prevention Nurses Tel: 01253 953874
Useful contact details Infection Prevention Nurses Telephone: 01253 953874 Hospital Switchboard: 01253 300000 Patient Relations Department The Patient Relations Department offers impartial advice and deals with any concern or complaints the Trust receives. You can contact them via: Tel: 01253 955589 email: patient.relations@bfwh.nhs.uk You can also write to us at: Patient Relations Department, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR Further information is available on our website: www.bfwh.nhs.uk References This leaflet is evidence based wherever the appropriate evidence is available, and represents an accumulation of expert opinion and professional interpretation. Details of the references used in writing this leaflet are available on request from: Procedural Document and Leaflet Coordinator 01253 303397 Approved by: Infection Prevention Date of Publication: 07/04/2017 Reference No: PL/196 V3 (VS501) Author: Sharon Mawdsley Review Date: 01/04/2020